Desperate times call for desperate measures. And chances are that the Chicago Cubs are starting to feel a little desperate.
On June 18, Chicago enjoyed a 6.5-game lead in the National League Central Division over both the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds. After Chicago lost to Kansas City 8-4 and Milwaukee beat Seattle 10-2 on Wednesday, the Brewers are in first place with a 1-game lead over the Cubs.
Cue the desperation.
Cubs Lost First Place in Division For First Time Since Mid-April
The Cubs had held sole control of first place in the division since a 16-0 blowout of the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12. Widely considered the best team in the NL Central heading into the season, they now find themselves battling a scrappy Brewers team that has the best record in Major League Baseball at 61-41.
And with the trade deadline just over a week away on July 31, the Cubs are running out of time to make any additions that could improve their chances at winning the division title and gaining home-field advantage in postseason play.
Again, cue the desperation.
There’s little mystery over what the Cubs need to pursue via trade. Chicago is second in the league at runs scored per game (5.28), but 12th in runs allowed (4.08), and the Cubs’ team ERA of 3.86 is 14th in the league.
Most pundits opined that Chicago could use a front-line starting pitcher or two even before the season began. Injuries to Justin Steele, who is out for the year following Tommy John surgery, and Javier Assad, who has yet to return from oblique issue, have only put more pressure on a pitching staff that seems ill-prepared to handle it, especially during the stretch drive and playoff run.
Cue the desperation.
Trade Proposal for Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera Might Save Chicago’s Season
But fortunately for Chicago, and all of the teams desperate to make improvements for this season, there are a bevy of starting pitchers believed to be available for trade at the right price. Alan Goldsher of Sports Illustrated has a suggestion for the Cubs regarding two such pitchers that he feels will go a long way in solving the team’s dilemma.
The issue then becomes how comfortable a team will be to pay the required cost. Goldsher’s proposal has the Cubs acquiring Miami Marlins starters Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera in exchange for a quintet of Chicago’s top prospects – infielder Jefferson Rojas (No. 3 prospect), outfielder Kevin Alcantara (No. 4), right-handed pitcher Jaxon Wiggins (No. 5), right-handed pitcher Ryan Gallagher (No. 8) and infielder Yahil Melendez (No. 25).
“(I)f they want to hold back the Brewers this season, two legitimate starters would go a long way towards making that happen,” Goldsher reasoned.
First reaction of Cubs fans would likely be a significant loss of breath over how much the team would be giving up. It is important to note that both pitchers are under 30 and remain under team control for another few seasons – the 29-year-old Alcantara through 2027, the 27-year-old Cabrera through 2028.
“Yeah, this move would semi-gut Chicago’s farm system, but if it keeps them in the World Series discussion for the next two or three seasons, few will kvetch,” Goldsher stated.
Besides, desperate times call for desperate measures.
Blockbuster Trade Pitch Could Put Desperate Cubs on World Series Path for Years