The Chicago Cubs have a slim one-game lead over the Brewers. The second half is getting underway in the NL Central. The Chicago Cubs will open the second half with a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field. Starting Pitching has been the glaring need heading into the trade deadline for the Cubs. However, they have recently been linked to the Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez. If the Cubs want to make a strong impression, they should go for it all. This could be the path they take.
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Why it makes sense for the Chicago Cubs
Matt Shaw was named the starting third baseman, leaving spring training. He struggled early and was sent down to Triple-A for a few weeks early this season. While his defense has been good, he has yet to prove his value at the plate. In 63 games this year, Shaw has 11 doubles with two home runs, 15 RBI, and 28 runs scored. With a .198 batting average, it would seem an upgrade would be a welcome sight for this Chicago Cubs team in 2025. Trading for Suarez would allow Shaw to spend more time in Triple-A. This would help him get his bat going. Additionally, he could become a bench option later in the season, particularly during the playoffs.
Eugenio Suarez
Seems to be a hot name as we enter the second half and the trade deadline nears. He already has 31 home runs and 78 RBI this season. Adding him to an already potent Chicago Cubs lineup might give them an extremely formidable lineup. It could be the scariest in all of baseball, top to bottom. In 95 games for the Diamondbacks this year, Suarez has a .257 average with 18 doubles and a .889 OPS on the year.
Why does it make sense for the Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are 47-50 and in fourth place, 11 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. They are five and a half games back from the third wild card spot. With a steep climb to make if they want to reach the postseason. They have their number one ranked prospect, Jordan Lawlar, waiting down in Triple-A for a call-up. Third base looks to be his path to the big leagues. Arizona has a 15 million club option at the end of the year. It makes sense to move perhaps the top bat at the deadline. They aim to build up their system for next year and beyond. The Diamondbacks have mentioned they would be looking for young arms at the deadline.
Potential Trade
Chicago Cubs Receive: Eugenio Suarez
Arizona Diamondbacks Receive: seventh-ranked Cubs Prospect RHP Brandon Birdsell, and twenty-third-ranked RHP Brody McCullough
Jaxson Wiggins is the fifth-ranked prospect for the Cubs. Obviously, Wiggins is where I would start if I were the Diamondbacks. However, if I were the Cubs, I would hold him tight. Brandon Birdsell (6’2, 240LBS, 25 years old) is currently pitching for the South Bend Cubs in Single-A+ with a 3.00 ERA. Brody McCullough (6’4, 205 LBS, 25 years old) is with the Knoxville Smokies right now with a 2.25 ERA. If it’s young pitching they are looking for, then this trade has it. Jed Hoyer and company make it happen. This is true even if this was just the key pieces. It took one more prospect or Player to be named later. I still think this would be a good move for both sides.
