3 Max Scherzer trades that could blow up the deadline

1. Max Scherzer gives the Cubs a much needed elite starter

Prior to the start of the season, the Chicago Cubs traded away NL Cy Young runner-up in Yu Darvish for teenage prospects. The idea was Chicago getting a head start on a rebuild, and eventually selling off their remaining core pieces at the 2021 deadline. Ironically, the Cubs are in first place and now they’re in desperate need of a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Chicago has featured a streaky offense and one of the best bullpens in the majors this season. Their best starter by far has been Kyle Hendricks who has won eight-straight starts and owns a 3.84 ERA and 1.258 WHIP across 86.2 innings.

As a collective group, Cubs starters own MLB’s 10th-highest ERA (4.63) and the 2nd-highest FIP (4.90).

The position of the Chicago as buyers or sellers at this year’s deadline has been a talking point for quite some time. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez will all hit the free-agent market in the upcoming offseason. Not far behind is Willson Contreras, who will become a free agent in 2023.

All four players make-up the core of the Cubs, yet the ownership and front office haven’t come up with any successful contract extensions. Rather than letting them walk away for nothing in return, it’d make more sense to deal for value should the team fall out of contention.

The problem is, it doesn’t appear the Cubs are bowing out of the playoff race any time soon. If that’s the case, it’d make no sense to trade away key pieces with the team sitting at or near a playoff spot. This team is a few pieces away from becoming a true contender, and adding Max Scherzer will certainly boost their odds.