As this yr’s commerce deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs need to make some upgrades to their struggling offense.
Over the previous few years, the Cubs have been linked to power-hitting first basemen, most notably Pete Alonso, on the commerce deadline.
With the New York Mets all however eradicated from rivalry this season, a number of common managers stated they anticipate the Mets to commerce their star first baseman. Alonso is ready to turn into a free agent within the offseason and reportedly declined a seven-year, $158M extension provide from the Mets final summer time.
Contemplating the Mets would solely obtain a fourth-round draft alternative in the event that they tagged Alonso with a qualifying provide, they might select to commerce him now and get as a lot worth as they will.
In a latest article, MLB insider Jon Heyman stated “the Cubs are the apparent potential suitor” for the 29-year-old first baseman. Coming into Sunday, Alonso is batting .243/.320/.481 with a .801 OPS and 31 RBI. His 14 homers are tied fifth most within the Nationwide League.
Chicago has additionally reportedly expressed curiosity in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the All-Star first baseman of the Toronto Blue Jays. In line with Bob Nightengale of USA As we speak, the Cubs “have privately mentioned the potential for attempting to amass Guerrero on the commerce deadline.”
Blue Jays common supervisor Ross Atkins stated earlier this week that buying and selling Guerrero “does not make any sense.” However rival executives imagine that if Toronto does not flip it round, they are going to be open to shifting the three-time All-Star.
Not like Alonso who can be a half-season rental, Guerrero is slated without spending a dime company following the 2025 season. The 25-year-old obtained off to a gradual begin however has since turned it round.
The son of former Corridor of Famer Vladimir Guerrero is batting .294/.387/.429 with a .815 OPS, and 7 homers in 245 at-bats. He’s a profession 131 OPS+ hitter who can hit 25 to 30 dwelling runs per yr and can be a welcome addition to an influence missing Cubs lineup.
Chicago’s offense has been under common all season and is in the course of the pack in scoring. The Cubs path the Milwaukee Brewers by seven video games within the NL Central and sit one sport again for the NL wild-card.
Whereas buying and selling for both Alonso or Guerrero would value the Cubs some severe expertise, buying and selling for both of the power-hitting first basemen would give Chicago the run manufacturing they should get again to the postseason for the primary time since 2020.
