The Chicago Cubs are expected to aggressively seek starting pitching before and at the trade deadline at the end of this month.
Starting pitching shouldn’t be the only upgrade Chicago looks to make. Rookie Matt Shaw has played phenomenal defense at the hot corner, but he hasn’t been great offensively.
The question for the Cubs is, which team is the most ideal trade partner? Zacharay Rotman of FanSided listed the ideal trade partner for four contending teams, including the Cubs.
Rotman named the Arizona Diamondbacks as that team.
“First and foremost, the Cubs need a third baseman,” wrote Rotman. “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.”
Suárez, 33, is having another terrific power-hitting season in Arizona. In the final year of his contract, Suárez has 26 home runs and 69 RBI while slashing .257/.324/.570 in 82 games.
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“In addition to Suárez, the Cubs can ask about both Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, two starting pitchers on expiring deals,” said Rotman. “With Justin Steele out for the season, the Cubs could definitely use another frontline arm to insert in their rotation behind Shota Imanaga.”
Kelly, 36, is having a solid campaign and has been Arizona’s best starting pitcher this season. Kelly is 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP in 17 starts this season.
Gallen, 29, is having the worst season of his career so far but has been one of the more dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball in his career. Gallen leads MLB in earned runs and leads the National League in walks allowed.
He is 5-9 with a 5.75 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP in 17 starts this season. Despite having a rough season, a change of scenery to a division-leading team could reignite Gallen’s dominant form.
If Arizona decides to sell, they have several trade chips that will garner lots of interest, especially from the Cubs.
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