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MLB Trade Deadline: Which teams are buyers?

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski (left) introduces Mike Hazen (right) as the team
Sep 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski (left) introduces Mike Hazen (right) as the team /
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Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

9. . National League. Central. Chicago Cubs. 2. player

Even with a recent slump, it’s not yet time to panic in Chicago, as the Cubs still have a terrific roster and should be considered a top World Series favorite. If the cold streak continues much longer, Theo Epstein could be a little more pressed to shop aggressively, which could lead to an interesting trade deadline.

Either way, the Cubs will be buyers and will search actively for relief help. Other than dominant closer Hector Rondon, there isn’t a lot of depth or consistency in the Chicago bullpen, and the Cubs aren’t going to let a weakness like that go with such a great opportunity to win a title.

In particular, the Cubs need a left-handed relief ace to take over some high-leverage innings from Travis Wood. Either Miller or Chapman would be a terrific fit, and the Cubs can afford to part with the required young talent, as they have a strong farm system.

The biggest question of the trade deadline will be if Epstein decides to press things further and acquire a starting pitcher. Chicago’s recent slide has been fueled by some expected regression from the rotation, and the team could find an upgrade from the struggling Jason Hammel on the trade market if it wanted to.

With Dexter Fowler, Chris Coghlan and Jorge Soler all on the disabled list, the Cubs may want an extra outfielder for depth purposes for the short-term. A rental like Josh Reddick would fit, as the Cubs could have a surplus of talented young outfielders by 2017 if Kyle Schwarber is able fully recover from a season-ending knee injury.

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