The Chicago Cubs are quickly learning that they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.
It's been a great season on the north side of Chicago so far, but the rest of the National League Central is suddenly closing the gap on the Cubs. After a win on Thursday, they own a three-game lead on the Milwaukee Brewers and a 4 1/2-game lead on the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cubs' strength is offense, but the trade deadline still might provide the opportunity to strengthen that strength. But unless there's an injury, their decision on whether or not to do so will come down to how much they trust their prized rookie.
Third baseman Matt Shaw is having a tough debut season, putting up a .595 OPS in 51 games. His last multi-hit game was on Jun. 6, and he's gone 7-for-59 ever since.
Earlier this week, ESPN insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel named the Cubs as possible suitors for Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez in the even he gets dealt at the Jul. 31 deadline.
"Suárez is in a contract year and, despite turning 34 years old before the trade deadline, is sitting near career highs in isolated power and wRC+ (which measures overall performance)," the insiders wrote.
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"His fielding metrics have declined in recent years, but he's still an acceptable defender at third base. Even if the Diamondbacks don't offload their free agents-to-be, Suarez could move because they have Jordan Lawlar raking in Triple-A and primed to take over at third."
Suárez's 25 home runs are the most by a third baseman this season, and his .892 OPS is tied with José Ramírez for the lead at the position. He's been an All-Star once before, and he almost definitely will be back at the Midsummer Classic this year.
There's no doubt Suárez is a short-term offensive upgrade over Shaw. The question is how willing the Cubs would be to upset the apple cart in search of building the best possible lineup in a win-now season.
Keep in mind: Kyle Tucker is a free agent at the end of the season, so they might as well go for broke.
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