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MLB rumors: 5 players Cubs needs to trade for

By William Schneiderhan

ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 06: Asdrubal Cabrera #14 of the Texas Rangers field a hit in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 06: Asdrubal Cabrera #14 of the Texas Rangers field a hit in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Neil Walker #18 of the Miami Marlins celebrates a home run with third base coach Fredi Gonzalez #33 of the Miami Marlins during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 26, 2019 in Washington. DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Neil Walker #18 of the Miami Marlins celebrates a home run with third base coach Fredi Gonzalez #33 of the Miami Marlins during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 26, 2019 in Washington. DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

5. Neil Walker, IF Miami Marlins

Ben Zobrist is currently away from the team due to personal matters, and therefore David Bote and Daniel Descalso have both been getting the bulk of the second base reps lately. Addison Russell has played over 110 innings at the position.

Bote has hit well, slashing .279/.355/.491 with eight homers and 32 RBI. That hasn’t been the case for Descalso and Russell, as both have struggled at the dish in 2019.

Neil Walker is an interesting possibility, even though he is currently on the IL and projected to be back in late June. When healthy, he could be the perfect player for the Cubs.

The veteran plays all over the infield, is a switch hitter and has swung the bat well this season in Miami. Before he went down with his injury, he was coming off a month in which he slashed .338/.413/.465 in May.

In total, Walker has hit .295 in 51 games played. His OBP is .375 and he has hit four homers with 14 RBI and an OPS of .818.

Maddon could play Walker at third, second or first and he could fill in on the bench.

Walker should be back before the deadline, so the Cubs have time to see if he is fully healthy. With his ability to switch hit and play multiple positions, as well as a familiarity with the division, Walker would be fine pickup for the team.

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