As the trade deadline is approaching, there are a few intriguing teams that have a real shot at winning a title in 2025. The Cubs, Giants, Mets, and Brewers have had great starts to the year, but can these teams make a move to make a deep run in a tough NL?
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have the 2nd most wins in the National League. Year 2 behind Craig Counsell has been a success, especially after the big offseason trade acquiring Kyle Tucker, the emergence of Pete Crow-Armstrong, and another strong offensive year by Seiya Suzuki. The Cubs are legit title contenders, but do they have enough to make a deep playoff run in 2025?
Team Needs
3B - Matt Shaw has been the man thus far at 3B, hitting with a slash line of .222/.300/.317. Though Shaw is showing promise as he can steal bases and make plays at 3B, he has a WRC+ of 78 behind a 1.6 WAR.
SP- The Cubs rank top 20 in overall ERA (3.71).On the pitching end, the team has seen some injuries to their frontline starters as Justin Steele will miss the rest of the season. Shota Imanaga is having a dominant year 2 but has hit the IL due to a hamstring strain this season. Behind rookies and veteran arms, the Cubs can use a safety net in their rotation to solidify more depth and get more innings out of a SP on the market.
Acquisitions + Trade Packages
Eugenio Suarez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks - Adding Suarez to this lineup will solidify this Cubs offense. Suarez is having another productive season, hitting .257/.325/.564 with 25 HR and 68 RBI. Suarez also holds a WRC+ of 141 with a WAR of 2.6. It’s very clear this Cubs team is just a few moves away from making a big run, and Suarez would fill a hole in this offense to make a real impact down the stretch with his offensive upside.
Potential Trade Package Players
Owen Caissie, OF, Cubs- Cubs #1 prospect hitting .263/.372/.504 in AAA. Cassie could be a solid left-handed bat for AZ with power upside at the next level, especially if they decide to part ways with Josh Naylor. Cubs can look to Michael Busch to be the future at 1B and take the upside with Suarez at 3B.
Jefferson Rojas, 2B/SS, Cubs - Cubs #3 prospect hitting .273/.390/449 in A+. Just 20 years old, Rojas has a 36:39 K/BB ratio with the ability to steal bases. Dbacks could use more upside in their infield for the future.
Sandy Alcantara, SP, Miami Marlins - Alcantara is having a down year with Miami, holding a 6.98 ERA and 1.48 WHIP through 80 IP. That being said, Alcantara has a great track record and is a candidate for a player who needs a change of scenery, and what better fit than to help the Cubs go on a deep run. The Cubs have lost Justin Steele to injury and are relying on veteran/rookie arms both on the SP/RP ends. Alcantara can bring more confidence to this staff and be a safety net in the playoffs. The Marlins have nothing to lose by trading him, and under their new front office, they are not afraid to be aggressive.
Potential Trade Package Players
James Triantos, 2B, Cubs - Cubs #5 prospect hitting .255/.305/.359 in AAA. At the next level, Traintos is a player who can hit for AVG and steal bases.
Jaxon Wiggins, RHP, Cubs - #8 prospect in the system with a 2.38 ERA in 34.0 IP at AA. Wiggins has a 65 grade fastball with a 60 grade slider. He has the upside of being a strong rotational piece for Miami.
Ryan McMahon, 3B, Colorado Rockies - If Suarez lands with another team, another option can be the vet from Colorado. McMahon is currently hitting .220/.322/.394 going along with a 1.1 WAR and 88 WRC+. However, he has great underlying metrics that can help drive in more runs for this lineup. Currently, he is 97th percentile in average exit velocity, 80th in barrel%, 87th in hard-hit%, and 89% in BB, which shows that he can fit this lineup, especially against RHP. Cubs can buy low and get a win-now piece with McMahon's current price.
Potential Trade Package Players
Pedro Ramirez, 3B/2B, Cubs - #16 prospect in the system, currently hitting .294/.355/.420 in AA. Ramirez provides SB upside with slight power as he is at 6 HR on the year.
Luke Little, LHP, Cubs - Mixed in the MLB and the minors in 2025, the LHP has a career ERA of 2.97 through 33.1 IP, a nice RP that the Rockies can rely on for the future.
Mitch Keller, SP Pittsburgh Pirates - Mitch Keller is currently holding a 3.90 ERA through 99.1 IP. The Pirates will most likely sell at the deadline as they have room in their rotation with the emergence of Paul Skenes, Bubba, Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft. Keller provides great pitching run value and induces ground balls at a 45% rate. He can provide a spark in this staff as there is plenty of room upside to go deep into games.
Potential Trade Package Players
Jefferson Rojas, 2B/SS, Cubs - ThePirates can benefit from Rojas to strengthen their farm system, especially with his upside to be an offensive threat.
Jaxon Wiggins, RHP, Cubs- Pirates have shown they can develop pitching, and Wiggins should thrive in a system where he will have more opportunities.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
