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Trade Deadline Shocker: Bubble Teams Suddenly Selling
Cubs Trade Deadline: What’s Happening in Simple Terms
The Big Picture
Imagine your baseball team is like a puzzle. Right now, the Chicago Cubs have some missing pieces (injured players) and they’re looking at the store (trade market) to find replacements before the shopping deadline on Monday.
Why Pitching Is the Main Focus
The Good News: Help Is Coming Back
The Cubs expect several pitchers to return from the "injured list" (think of it as the bench for hurt players) in the final two months:
- Edward Cabrera – a starting pitcher
- Daniel Palencia – the team’s closer (the pitcher who finishes games)
The Cautious Approach
Because so many pitchers have gotten hurt this season, the Cubs are being extra careful. They don’t want to count their chickens before they hatch!
The Shopping List: 3 New Pitchers
Ideally, the Cubs want to add three pitchers before Monday’s deadline. They have two possible recipes:
- Option A: Two starters + one reliever
- Option B: One starter + two relievers
IMPORTANT POINT: The Cubs might not get all three, but there are lots of pitchers available from other teams, so they have plenty of options.
The Catcher & Right-Handed Hitter Problem
While pitchers are plentiful, catchers and right-handed batters are rare at the trade deadline. This creates a tricky situation:
Two Cubs Getting Attention
Other teams might ask about:
- Carson Kelly – the Cubs’ catcher
- Seiya Suzuki – the Cubs’ right fielder and #2 hitter
But Here’s the Catch: Neither Is Likely to Move
Why Suzuki Staying Put Makes Sense
- He’s the team’s #2 hitter (very valuable spot in the lineup)
- The backup plan was a Michael Conforto–Matt Shaw platoon (taking turns playing)
- But Shaw got hurt on June 29 with a sprained left wrist and hasn’t played since
Why Kelly Is Hard to Replace
- He’s part of the Cubs’ "fabric" (team chemistry and culture)
- Trading him would hurt the pitching staff (catchers help pitchers perform)
- It would damage clubhouse morale (team spirit)
- Only an "overwhelming offer" would make them consider it
IMPORTANT POINT: If the Cubs traded Kelly, they’d immediately need to find another catcher – and good ones are almost impossible to find right now!
The League-Wide Catcher Shortage
The demand for catchers is intense, but other teams aren’t selling their best ones:
| Player | Team | Likelihood of Being Traded |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter Goodman | Colorado Rockies | Longshot |
| Ryan Jeffers | Minnesota Twins | Longshot |
| Adley Rutschman | Baltimore Orioles | Longshot |
Summary: What to Expect
- Pitchers returning soon – Cabrera and Palencia leading the way
- Cubs shopping for 3 pitchers – but might settle for fewer
- Suzuki and Kelly staying put – unless someone makes an offer they can’t refuse
- Catcher market frozen – nobody wants to sell their backstop
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s the trade deadline?
A: It’s the last day teams can trade players with each other during the season. After Monday, rosters are mostly set for the rest of the year.
Q: What’s the difference between a starter and a reliever?
A: A starter begins the game and tries to pitch 5+ innings. A reliever comes in later for shorter stints (1-2 innings) – like the closer who finishes the game.
Q: What’s a "platoon"?
A: When two players share one position, usually based on who hits better against left-handed or right-handed pitchers. Conforto and Shaw would have taken turns in right field.
Q: Why is a catcher so important to pitchers?
A: Catchers call the pitches, frame strikes, block wild pitches, and build trust with pitchers. A good catcher makes the whole pitching staff better.
Q: What does "on the injured list" mean?
A: It means a player is officially hurt and can’t play, but they don’t count against the active roster limit. They’re "on the shelf" until healthy.
Written by Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney
