3 trades the Cubs need to make before the deadline

The Chicago Cubs need to buy at the trade deadline, and here’s who they should target

The MLB trade deadline is just days away on Monday, Aug. 31, with a full month of regular season action to go. This gives teams in contention for the playoffs the opportunity to bolster their roster with new acquisitions. One of the teams that should be making some phone calls is the Chicago Cubs.

Entering the 60-game campaign, no one believed that the Cubs would lead in the NL Central, especially with the Cincinnati Reds making massive additions during the Hot Stove season. Yet, here they stand with a lead in the division and a strong chance to clinch a postseason berth. Even so, they still have their flaws that could hold them back from winning their fourth World Series.

Here are three players the Cubs should target at the deadline this Monday

It’s no secret that the Cubs’ biggest weakness heading into the deadline is the bullpen. The starting pitching, overall, has been solid, but once manager David Ross goes to the bullpen, is when Cubs fans start sweating. Craig Kimbrel is carrying a 8.59 ERA as of this writing, which is far from ideal, especially since he was signed to a lucrative deal to be their “lights out” closer. Having a quality setup pitcher could do wonders for the Cubs, and one name they should target is Tony Watson of the San Francisco Giants.

This may not come as a shock to many, but the Giants aren’t going to contend for the postseason this year. The Giants have the perfect opportunity to load off some talent to bring in some much-needed prospects. Watson could bring in a decent haul for San Francisco, and the Cubs would be willing to send over some young talent for the veteran relief pitcher.

Through 11 games this season, Watson holds a 2-1 record, along with a 0.93 ERA and 0.724 WHIP in 9.2 innings of work. Even though the Cubs could use a closer, getting a stud setup man to add to their bullpen is just as good.