The Chicago Cubs face ongoing struggles at third base as the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline approaches, seeking to strengthen a critical infield spot that has underperformed this season. With the team’s NL Central lead narrowed to a single game over the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs are evaluating options amid mixed offensive results and declining production at third base. The focus on a potential Willi Castro Cubs trade target arises as the franchise looks to bolster its lineup before the deadline.

The Cubs’ current third-base production reflects poorly in the standings: a combined -0.6 WAR and a .199/.273/.258 slash line, yielding just a 54 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) score. This places third base as the weakest offensive position on the team, despite the overall competitiveness of the roster. The Cubs still place long-term faith in Matt Shaw to anchor the position, but immediate improvement appears necessary given Shaw’s current underperformance and the limited contributions from other internal options such as Berti and Bruján.

Jay Jaffe of FanGraphs identifies the Cubs at the bottom tier among contenders for third-base production, underscoring the urgency in addressing this gap. Shaw, although the presumed long-term answer, has not delivered consistent offense, and the backup candidates have produced even less. Veteran José Turner, at 40 years old, has also been absent from meaningful third-base innings, making an external acquisition sensible to maintain the team’s playoff momentum.

Evaluating Alternatives: Eugenio Suarez and the Limits of a High-Profile Acquisition

Eugenio Suarez has been an established name linked to the Cubs’ third-base search, notable for his power-hitting capabilities as a right-handed batter. Suarez boasts impressive numbers this season, including a .250/.320/.569 slash line, 31 home runs, and a robust 142 wRC+ at the All-Star break. These statistics make him a prime target for teams seeking immediate offensive impact.

However, acquiring Suarez is expected to be complex and costly. Beyond Chicago, other top contenders such as the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, and Seattle Mariners also pursue Suarez aggressively, all managing pressing positional needs. Given the competition and Suarez’s premium value, the Cubs may need to consider alternative targets to avoid bidding wars or overcommitments.

Willi Castro Emerges as a Practical Third Base Upgrade Option

One promising alternative is Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins, whose name surfaced in trade discussions via Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Sharma highlights Castro as a player who could provide a meaningful upgrade at third base for Chicago, adding depth and versatility to the Cubs’ roster ahead of the trade deadline.

Castro, 28, brings several attractive qualities to the table. An All-Star in the previous season and enjoying another strong year in 2025, he is a switch-hitter with a productive offensive profile. His current slash line of .265/.356/.435 translates to a 124 wRC+, backed by a solid blend of power and speed including 9 home runs and 8 stolen bases. His plate discipline is notable, with a 10% walk rate and a comparatively low 14.5% strikeout rate.

Although Castro’s expected metrics slightly trail his actual performance, he is consistently making solid, hard contact with increased ball elevation and barreling rates—indicators of sustainable production. Considering the Cubs’ low baseline at third base, even a modest output from Castro would constitute a significant upgrade.

Regarding Minnesota’s stance, the Twins have yet to fully commit to a rebuilding phase, currently sitting 4 games outside a Wild Card spot with about a 23.1% chance of postseason qualification. Their decision to sell or retain players like Castro may depend heavily on their performance post-All-Star break, potentially creating a limited window for Chicago to act.

Maikel Garcia: A Versatile and Cost-Controlled Third Base Candidate

As a secondary consideration, Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals presents an intriguing if more speculative target. The Royals, trailing the Twins by only half a game but with slimmer playoff odds at roughly 11.4%, are generally viewed as more prone to selling assets at the deadline. Moreover, the Cubs have reportedly shown interest in multiple Royals pitchers, suggesting existing dialogue that could extend to position players such as Garcia.

Garcia, 25, offers a different profile from Castro or Suarez, primarily due to his contract status. He remains under team control through 2029, which may reduce the Royals’ willingness to trade him but could also signal value for Chicago as a longer-term solution. His arbitration eligibility this off-season adds an incentive for the Royals to consider moving him sooner rather than later to avoid escalating salary costs.

Defensively, Garcia’s versatility stands out. While his primary position is third base—potentially in competition with Matt Shaw for the future—he can also cover second base and shortstop. This flexibility would allow the Cubs to integrate him in multiple roles: as a starter at third this year, a part-time contributor next season, and perhaps as a successor at second base should Nico Hoerner depart or sustain injuries.

Offensively, Garcia delivers solid numbers this year, hitting .297/.354/.454 with a 123 wRC+, 8 home runs, and an impressive 18 stolen bases. His plate discipline shows an 8% walk rate and a 13.5% strikeout rate, while recording 2.5 WAR, emphasizing both offensive and defensive value.

However, the Royals’ recent trade acquisition of Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates injects uncertainty into their commitment to selling. Bringing in Frazier, a rental infielder, could indicate the Royals intend to remain competitive, complicating Chicago’s potential pursuit of Garcia.

Trade: The Kansas City Royals are acquiring infielder Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to sources familiar with the deal. Cam Devanney is going to the Pirates.— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 16, 2025

Strategic Considerations and Next Steps for the Cubs

The Cubs face a critical decision on whether to reinforce their third base before the 2025 trade deadline, balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster construction. While Matt Shaw is viewed internally as the long-term answer, the team cannot ignore the position’s current offensive struggles, which have surfaced despite the overall strong performance of the lineup.

Acquiring Eugenio Suarez could be transformative but may require a high price in trade assets and payroll, with stiff competition from elite contenders. In contrast, Willi Castro offers a more attainable option combining solid offensive performance and switch-hitting versatility. The Cubs would benefit from pursuing discussions with the Twins, especially if Minnesota’s playoff hopes falter.

Maikel Garcia’s case represents a more speculative investment in youth and flexibility, ideal for Chicago if they seek a player who can provide multi-positional depth while maintaining production for several years. Yet, the Royals’ recent moves suggest they might remain buyers, which could delay or prevent an available deal.

Ultimately, the team’s front office must monitor the evolving trade market closely to act decisively. By exploring these alternatives thoughtfully, the Cubs could address one of their weakest offensive spots and safeguard their NL Central lead as the postseason draws near.