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5 reasons the Chicago Cubs will still win NL Central

By Joshua Sadlock

DENVER, CO - APRIL 20: Kyle Schwarber
DENVER, CO - APRIL 20: Kyle Schwarber /
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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles stands outside the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on May 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles stands outside the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on May 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /

1. They make a big trade at the deadline

If there is one general manager in Major League Baseball that can be counted on to pull off a blockbuster trade at the deadline, it is Theo Epstein. Two years ago, he moved top prospect Gleyber Torres for closer Aroldis Chapman, who played a big part in the run to the World Series. Last year, Epstein and the Cubs came out of nowhere to grab starter Jose Quintana from the crosstown Chicago White Sox.

The Cubs are running out of elite prospects to dangle, but Epstein will still be able to make an impact move at the deadline this year, and none of the Cubs rivals for the division title will be able to match it.

Barring any craziness from Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, All-Star shortstop Manny Machado will be playing for the Cubs by the end of July. There was too many rumors this winter linking the 25-year-old Machado to Chicago, and there is no reason to believe their interest is gone, especially with Addison Russell struggling to start the year.

Russell can no longer be viewed as the long-term answer at shortstop for the Cubs. He has not matured as a hitter and his power has dipped again. Machado might be a pure rental play at this point, but don’t rule out Epstein electing to pursue him over Bryce Harper this offseason.

As for a potential return to the Orioles, the Cubs can offer several MLB-ready hitters like Russell, Ian Happ or Albert Almora. Baltimore could sweeten the pot and bring back a better haul by including closer Zach Britton, so long as he returns from his Achilles injury and shows good form. Machado should be first on the Cubs list of priorities as the deadline approaches, and if they are able to pry him out of Peter Angelos’ cold, dead hands, another NL Central title will follow.

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