As the trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs are primed to embrace a buyer’s mentality, marking a shift in strategy from their recent years as sellers. Under the leadership of Jed Hoyer and his front office, the Cubs are setting their sights on enhancing a roster that clearly has the potential to compete for a World Series title.
So who might be on their radar? While the focus has been on acquiring bullpen help, third basemen, and starting pitchers, there’s a glimmer of hope emerging from their own ranks. The relief pitchers have shown considerable improvement, with names like Matt Shaw making headlines as he finds his stride in the big leagues once again. Meanwhile, the anticipated return of Shota Imanaga from the injured list should temporarily ease any concerns about the rotation depth.
That said, the Cubs could still bolster their lineup, particularly at third base. Recently, R.J. Anderson from CBS Sports highlighted the Cubs as potential suitors for former top prospect, Yoan Moncada, currently with the Los Angeles Angels. Moncada is having a resurgence, showcasing a solid .240/.339/.510 slash line with six homers and 19 RBI in just 29 games – numbers that put him above league average in terms of OPS+. Particularly encouraging is his recent surge, hitting four home runs over his last 15 games and two in the last week, indicating he’s starting to regain that power stroke.
Moncada’s journey has been intriguing since he was touted as a can’t-miss talent out of Cuba—a player compared to the likes of Robinson Cano and renowned for his five-tool capabilities. His breakout year in 2019, when he posted an impressive .315/.367/.548 line with 25 home runs and an OPS+ of 140, left fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential. However, since then, injuries and high strikeout rates have clouded his career, leading the Chicago White Sox to decline his club option last offseason.
At 30, Moncada seems to be rediscovering his game, even if he won’t reach the lofty expectations set for him as a former top prospect. So why would the Cubs consider bringing him into the fold?
The situation at third base is currently stable with Shaw, who the Cubs envision as the future cornerstone of that position. If Shaw maintains his performance, trading for Moncada may not be necessary. However, should Shaw falter or a need for an additional power-hitting infielder arise, Moncada could serve as an intriguing option, especially if he continues his recent trend upward.
Moreover, from a financial and prospect cost standpoint, acquiring Moncada might not require a significant investment, making him a more attractive option as the Cubs look to strike a balance between building for the future and competing now. As Anderson noted, the possibility of Moncada being moved this year is real, and it’s certainly a storyline worth monitoring as the deadline approaches. Stay tuned, Cubs fans—exciting times are ahead!
