The Chicago Cubs are actively seeking to improve their third base situation by targeting Eugenio Suárez, as trade discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks intensify. Despite a powerful offense, the Cubs have struggled to find consistent production at third base during the current Major League Baseball season, prompting consideration of a high-impact acquisition.
Coming into the season, rookie Matt Shaw was expected to fill the third base role, but after 18 difficult games marked by disappointing performance, he was demoted. Although Shaw was recalled a month later and showed signs of progress, his on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) remains below the league average, highlighting an ongoing challenge for the team at that position.
Third Base Challenges Hinder Cubs’ Offensive Consistency
The difficulties extend beyond Shaw as other players like Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, and Gage Workman have also taken turns at third base without much success. This patchwork approach has led to the Cubs posting the worst OPS (.562) among all MLB teams at third base, even as their overall offense ranks second in runs scored across the majors. The need to bolster both starting pitching and the bullpen adds urgency to the Cubs’ search for reinforcements.
Amid upcoming trade deadlines, acquiring Suárez — a slugger with 36 home runs who ranks second in the National League — could provide a crucial upgrade at third base. Adding Suárez to a lineup that includes Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker, Michael Busch, and Pete Crow-Armstrong would create one of the league’s most potent offensive groups.
Trade Negotiations with Arizona Open Possibility for Suárez Acquisition
The Cubs’ deep farm system, featuring five prospects in MLB Pipeline’s top 100, gives them leverage in trade talks with Arizona. Baseball analyst Jim Bowden has suggested that the Cubs might not have to part with many top prospects to land Suárez, speculating that a deal involving pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins could be sufficient.
Wiggins, a 23-year-old right-hander and 2023 second-round draft pick, is currently rated as Chicago’s fifth-best prospect. This season, he has posted an impressive 2.02 ERA in 14 appearances combined between High-A and Double-A, striking out 79 batters and limiting opponents to a .151 batting average. While still refining his command, Wiggins possesses the potential to develop into a reliable mid-rotation starter, which would appeal to the Diamondbacks as they cope with injuries and impending free agency among their starting staff.
Potential Deal Sweetener: Adding Outfielder Kevin Alcantara
If the Cubs’ offer centered on Wiggins doesn’t fully meet Arizona’s demands, another prospect might be included to strengthen the proposal. Kevin Alcantara, ranked 78th in MLB Pipeline’s prospects, could be that addition. Alcantara, an outfielder, has demonstrated power with 11 home runs and an .806 OPS in Triple-A but faces stiff competition on the Cubs’ roster, where Ian Happ, Suzuki, Tucker, and Crow-Armstrong dominate outfield roles.
Including Alcantara in the trade would allow Chicago to address roster crowding while enhancing the appeal of their offer to the Diamondbacks, who are motivated to rebuild their pitching staff after losing Corbin Burnes to Tommy John surgery and preparing for the possible departures of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly in free agency.
Impact of Suárez’s Potential Arrival on Cubs’ Future Prospects
Securing Suárez would likely solidify the Cubs’ third base position, resolving a weakness that has undermined what could otherwise be a championship-level lineup. The move would demonstrate Chicago’s commitment to contending this season while balancing their farm system’s long-term viability.
As the trade deadline nears, the Cubs must weigh the immediate benefits of adding a proven power hitter against the cost of sending promising young talent like Wiggins and Alcantara to Arizona. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence both teams’ trajectories heading into the playoff chase and beyond.