The Chicago Cubs are targeting starting pitching as their top priority heading into the trade deadline, but that’s not their only need.
Rookie Matt Shaw has been solid defensively at third base, but his bat hasn’t caught up yet. That’s created another hole Chicago needs to address if they’re serious about making a playoff push.
So who makes the most sense as a trade partner? Zacharay Rotman of FanSided thinks he’s got the answer: the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“First and foremost, the Cubs need a third baseman. Chicago hoped that top prospect Matt Shaw would take the spot and run with it, but he has yet to do so… A guy like Eugenio Suárez, who has hit 25 home runs, can lengthen their lineup, and has experience in the NL Central, feels like a perfect fit.”
Eugenio Suárez is having another productive season in the desert. The 33-year-old third baseman has mashed 26 home runs with 69 RBI while posting a .257/.324/.570 slash line in 82 games. He’s in the final year of his deal, which makes him an attractive rental option.
But Arizona’s appeal goes beyond just Suárez.
The Diamondbacks have two starting pitchers on expiring contracts that could interest Chicago: Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. With Justin Steele done for the season, the Cubs could definitely use another front-line arm to slot behind Shota Imanaga.
Kelly has been Arizona’s most reliable starter this year. The 36-year-old right-hander is 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA and 1.07 WHIP across 17 starts. Not flashy numbers, but exactly the kind of steady production Chicago needs.
Gallen presents a more complicated case.
The 29-year-old is having easily the worst season of his career, going 5-9 with a 5.75 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 17 starts. He leads MLB in earned runs allowed and paces the National League in walks. Not exactly what you want from a guy who’s been one of baseball’s better pitchers over the past few years.
But that’s where opportunity might meet necessity. A change of scenery to a division-leading team could be exactly what Gallen needs to rediscover his form. The Cubs would be betting on talent over recent results – always a risky proposition at the deadline.
If Arizona decides to become sellers, they’ve got several pieces that’ll draw plenty of interest. The Cubs seem like a natural fit given their needs and willingness to add payroll for a playoff push.
The question is whether the Diamondbacks are ready to wave the white flag on their season.
