Cubs Discussing Blockbuster Trade For All-Star First Baseman
The team is left looking for answers as the Chicago Cubs continue to struggle through a rough patch in which they have fallen to 6.5 games back of first place in the NL Central. One of the main problems with this Cubs team is an offense that has gone cold compared to what it was at the beginning of the season. Reports suggest the Cubs could be looking for some much-needed offensive help, and the player they are interested in may surprise you.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today,
“The Chicago Cubs have privately discussed the possibility of trying to acquire (Vladimir) Guerrero at the trade deadline.”
– USA Today
While just speculation, this rumor shows clear intentions that Jed Hoyer plans to be active at the trade deadline, especially in trying to improve their lineup. It has already been speculated that the Cubs are actively searching the trade market for a catcher. Getting a player like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would change this Cubs lineup drastically.
Guerrero is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. The three-time All-Star is currently slashing .292/.383/.424 with 7 home runs on the season. The 25-year-old still has 1.5 years left of control and would be highly sought after if the Blue Jays were to make him available.
The price tag for a player of Guerrero’s talents would certainly require a historic package of prospects, but the Blue Jays have still not made it clear whether or not they would be willing to part ways with their franchise star. The Blue Jays have struggled this year at 32-33, but they have won 6 of their last 10 games and are only separated by 2 games from the final AL Wild Card spot.
If the Blue Jays continue to struggle to climb the standings, they might be willing to gain some prospect capital in return for their star players. Their all-star shortstop, Bo Bichette, has also been mentioned as a potential trade candidate. The Blue Jays have not made much progress with their young stars in extension talks which could lead to a potential trade.
What would this deal mean for the Cubs?
A player of Guerreros’s talents would drastically change the Chicago Cubs lineup. The Cubs have been desperately looking for power in the middle of their order, and Guerrero would be a near-perfect player to help improve this lineup.
If Guerrero were to become available and the Cubs are still interested, you would have to assume the Cubs would still be in contention for a playoff spot. The team is tied for the last spot in the NL Wild Card race but continues to falter in the standings. Guerrero would make a huge difference in Chicago’s first base and designated hitter department.
The cost would be a lot, and the Cubs would have to be willing to give up some of their top farmhands in return for his favors. You would have to assume that in a potential deal, they would have to give up at least one of Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cade Horton or Matt Shaw. A couple of the other Cubs top prospects would likely have to go to Toronto in the deal. Nonetheless, the Cubs have some of the best ammunition in the league to acquire a top player.
While it’s all just a dream scenario right now, it is very interesting to see the Cubs mentioned in trade rumors for Guerrero with a little over a month to go until the trade deadline. First, the Cubs will want to focus on improving and putting themselves in a position to acquire top-tier talent at the deadline.