The Chicago Cubs are positioning themselves as buyers ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, targeting upgrades to strengthen their roster. Reports from Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reveal that the Cubs have identified Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals as primary trade candidates. Chicago aims to improve its lineup and pitching staff as it pushes for a playoff run this season.
Third Base Remains a Concern for the Cubs
The Cubs’ situation at third base has been unstable for some time. After acquiring Isaac Paredes at last year’s deadline, Chicago traded him to Houston during the offseason as part of the Kyle Tucker deal. This created a pathway for top prospect Matt Shaw to claim the position, though the team also pursued Alex Bregman in the offseason free-agent market. Bregman ultimately signed with the Boston Red Sox, leaving Shaw as the likely starter. However, Shaw has struggled to establish himself at the major league level, posting a .210/.285/.304 batting line over 239 plate appearances this season. While the sample is still small, the Cubs clearly need a more consistent offensive presence at third base to complement their otherwise strong lineup.
Examining Trade Options for Third Base: Suárez, Hayes, and Others
Among the options the Cubs have considered is Ke’Bryan Hayes, noted for his defensive skills but limited offensive production. Hayes, signed through 2029, also presents complications as a member of a division rival, which often hinders trade negotiations. Eugenio Suárez, on the other hand, represents a potentially more impactful addition despite being a weaker defender. Since July 7 of last year, Suárez has delivered 59 home runs and posted a .281/.336/.611 slash line, along with a 156 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), trailing only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in home runs during that span.
Suárez’s status as a rental player for the rest of the 2024 season enhances his appeal, allowing the Cubs to address third base immediately and reassess options next offseason, including deciding whether to give Matt Shaw another opportunity or seek other alternatives. However, the Diamondbacks’ willingness to trade Suárez remains uncertain, especially as they recently swept the St. Louis Cardinals and remain 4.5 games behind a playoff spot despite injuries. Suárez’s four home runs in the series spotlight his hot streak and importance to Arizona’s current competitiveness.
Diamondbacks’ Potential Offseason Moves and Cubs’ Alternatives
If the Diamondbacks choose to sell at the deadline, they could demand a significant return given they also have notable players like Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Josh Naylor nearing free agency, alongside veterans Randal Grichuk, Jalen Beeks, Shelby Miller, and Kendall Graveman. Arizona has also reportedly entertained offers for some of its controllable outfielders apart from Corbin Carroll. Executing these trades would mean forfeiting the remainder of their season but would yield a haul of young talent.
While waiting on the Diamondbacks’ final decision, the Cubs must also evaluate other prospects for third base. Besides Suárez and Hayes, possible candidates include Yoán Moncada, Ryan McMahon, Miguel Andujar, and several young infielders within the New York Mets organization. The competition for such players will be keen as multiple clubs seek to shore up their infield before the deadline.
Bullpen Reinforcements: Kyle Finnegan’s Role and Fit
In addition to third base, Chicago is aiming to strengthen its bullpen. Although Daniel Palencia serves as the current closer, the Cubs are interested in adding depth and versatility to their relief corps. Kyle Finnegan, Washington’s closer for several seasons, is a prime candidate. His strikeout numbers are lower than typical closers, leading some analysts to suggest he might be better suited as a setup man on a contending team. This year, Finnegan has recorded 19 saves but also blown six save opportunities, compiling a 4.25 ERA and a 19.3% strikeout rate in 36 innings, with a strong 46.7% ground ball rate helping offset some struggles.
Finnegan performed better in the previous season, posting a 3.68 ERA and a 22.1% strikeout rate, although with a significant performance drop in the second half. The Nationals’ decision not to trade Finnegan midseason led to a tougher finish, culminating in the team non-tendering him and later re-signing him to a one-year deal. On a better club, manager Craig Counsell could optimize Finnegan’s usage by deploying him against hitters he matches well with, rather than relying on him solely for ninth-inning saves. As an impending free agent on a struggling team, Finnegan is expected to be traded, with the Cubs among potential suitors monitoring his availability.
Financial Flexibility for the Cubs at the Deadline
The Cubs benefit from significant payroll flexibility as they approach the deadline. Despite exceeding the competitive balance tax last year, they currently sit approximately $23 million below the tax threshold, according to RosterResource estimates at around $218 million. This breathing room allows Chicago to pursue additions without major financial constraints. Suárez’s salary of $15 million for the year and Finnegan’s $6 million deal, including $4 million deferred without interest, fit within this space. This means acquiring one or both players would leave further room for additional transactions or necessary roster moves.
Implications and Outlook for the Cubs’ Playoff Push
Adding Eugenio Suárez would provide the Cubs with a significant offensive boost at third base, addressing a key weakness in their lineup. Meanwhile, acquiring Kyle Finnegan could help solidify a bullpen that remains a work in progress beyond its closing role. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Chicago appears committed to bolstering its roster to compete more effectively in a crowded National League Central division.
The Cubs’ ability to negotiate successfully with teams like the Diamondbacks and Nationals, as well as their readiness to pivot to alternate options if needed, will play a crucial role in shaping their roster for the final stretch of the 2024 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team balances immediate upgrades with longer-term development, particularly regarding prospects like Matt Shaw and other infield candidates.