The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing a major upgrade at third base as the trade deadline approaches, focusing heavily on Arizona Diamondbacks’ slugger Eugenio Suarez. Reports indicate the Cubs intend to remain fully engaged in discussions until a final decision is made, driven by longtime friendships between front office executives and the compelling need to improve their roster.
Suarez, known historically for his success against the Cubs, is having a standout season with a .257/.328/.601 slash line and a remarkable 35 home runs. His recent streak of three multi-homer games in five appearances underscores his increasing hot streak, which could provide an immediate power boost for Chicago’s lineup.
The Cubs’ current third base situation lacks offensive firepower, so adding a right-handed slugger like Suarez would mark a significant improvement. Beyond offensive gains, the Cubs could also strengthen their bench by keeping Matt Shaw as a defensive replacement and pinch runner, enhancing late-game flexibility.
Despite their emphasis on strengthening the starting rotation, the pursuit of Suarez is a clear sign the Cubs are aiming to be competitive this season. However, the likelihood of a trade depends heavily on whether the Diamondbacks, currently fourth in the NL West and 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, decide to transition into sellers.
Competition for Suarez is stiff, with teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees also showing interest. Alternatives to Suarez, such as Willi Castro and Maikel Garcia, remain on the table for Chicago or rival clubs as potential third base upgrades.
Mason Miller’s Status Fuels Trade Deadline Speculation for Cubs
Mason Miller, the Oakland Athletics’ talented closer, has generated considerable buzz in trade conversations, including within the Cubs’ circles. While addressing bullpen needs is not Chicago’s top priority, Miller’s dominance and contract control through arbitration for four more years make him an intriguing, albeit costly, target.
General manager David Forst of the Athletics has maintained a firm stance on Miller’s unavailability, but insider sources suggest this position could shift as the deadline nears, especially if offers warrant serious consideration. Currently, only a handful of teams are seen as capable of proposing deals substantial enough to make the Athletics reconsider.
The potential suitors mentioned include the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners. Yet, excluding the Cubs from this list would be unwise, considering their strategic long-term goals. Pairing Miller in trade discussions with more expensive pitchers like Luis Severino, who performs significantly better on the road (3.10 ERA) than at home (6.68 ERA), could help Chicago negotiate a more feasible deal.
Evaluating Possible Reliever Acquisitions in the AL Central
Though the Cubs’ bullpen has remained relatively stable this season, acquiring a high-impact reliever before the trade deadline remains likely. One of the most intriguing pools to explore lies within the American League Central, known for controllable relief talents.
Among the candidates are Cleveland Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith, as well as Minnesota Twins’ Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran. These players are highly regarded but could prove challenging to acquire.
Emmanuel Clase stands out not only due to his elite track record but also because Cubs GM Carter Hawkins was involved in trading for him while with Cleveland. Negotiations between the Cubs and Guardians regarding Clase reportedly took place before the 2024 season, indicating mutual interest.
This year, Clase’s performance remains strong, with a 2.86 ERA and 2.34 FIP, although not as dominant as his 0.61 ERA campaign in 2024. Some metrics, like a drop in ground ball rate and increased hard contact, suggest minor regression, but his overall value as a top-tier reliever remains intact. Acquiring Clase could immediately elevate the Cubs’ bullpen, potentially to the level of their top reliever, Daniel Palencia, with the advantage of Clase’s more extensive and proven success.
Despite this appeal, the Cubs may prioritize other areas, positioning bullpen reinforcements as their third most critical focus. Still, adding a proven reliever like Clase would provide insurance if starting pitching issues arise during October’s postseason stretch.
Additional Noteworthy MLB Trade Rumors Affecting the Cubs and League Landscape
The Cubs enter the trade deadline among the league’s most active buyers, aligned with teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners. These clubs are all expected to pursue significant roster enhancements to bolster playoff chances.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves have made it clear they will not trade players under long-term control like Chris Sale but remain open to moving rental pieces such as Raisel Iglesias. This stance limits their negotiation flexibility but maintains their competitive core.
A recent assessment by analysts Chad Jennings and Tim Britton ranked the Cubs in the highest tier of aggressive buyers, emphasizing Chicago’s needs at third base, starting pitching, and the bullpen. The Milwaukee Brewers fall into the next category as typical buyers, focusing their upgrades on outfield and third base.
Keen followers of MLB trade dynamics can delve deeper into rumors via sources like Ken Rosenthal, whose updates cover teams’ trade deadline strategies, including discussions on bullpen additions, prospects for pitching upgrades, and activity within various league divisions.
“Fair Territory!*Phillies/David Robertson*Deadline thoughts*Blue Jays, Brewers rolling*Inside NL West*More active, O’s or DBacks?*Red Sox’s search for SPYouTube: https://t.co/uACQny38EWApple: https://t.co/qqkNkGVnzASpotify: https://t.co/eZqF4r5WYCOn the Brewers: pic.twitter.com/Xk2SJhTocE” — Ken Rosenthal
Trade Deadline Moves Could Shape Cubs’ Competitive Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The Cubs’ focused pursuit of Eugenio Suarez signals their desire to address one of their glaring offensive needs, while interest in Mason Miller and other relief options conveys a broader intent to solidify pitching depth. These advances could bolster Chicago’s chances to contend in the National League Central and beyond.
With the trade deadline looming, the Cubs’ general manager Carter Hawkins is expected to leverage personal relationships and strategic timing to secure impactful additions. The decisions made in the coming weeks will likely define the trajectory of the team for the remainder of 2025 and the near future, balancing immediate competitiveness with sustained roster development.
Should Arizona maintain its current standing, the Diamondbacks might hold onto Suarez, compelling the Cubs to explore alternative targets. Likewise, the Athletics’ willingness to entertain offers for Miller could hinge on how aggressive competing clubs become, which may trigger a bidding battle in which Chicago hopes to play a part.
Ultimately, the Cubs’ trade deadline activity, centered around the Mason Miller trade deadline rumors and pursuit of Eugenio Suarez, will reveal how aggressively the team is prepared to push for postseason relevance while building a foundation for success in coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Mason Miller a diabetic?
A. Miller was fully supportive, having been diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes at the age of 20.
Q. Is Mason Miller diabetes?
A. When Miller was 20, doctors found he had Type 1 juvenile diabetes. During a 10-game series visiting Seattle, Houston, and Kansas City, the A’s team invited a local child with diabetes to one of their games.