Cubs: 3 trade deadline deals to save the core

The Chicago Cubs are a surprise contender in the NL Central. At the trade deadline, they can make some deals to make a final push with the core.

The Cubs may have thought they were on their way to a rebuild when they traded Yu Darvish to the Padres. It turns out the 2021 season has them poised to make a run at the NL Central.

This could very well be the last hurrah for their core, including Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and others.

Chicago can try to go out with a bang by making some key additions at the MLB Trade Deadline.

3 Cubs deadline deals to save the core

Jose Berrios

The Cubs need starting pitching. It’s that simple.

Kyle Hendricks has 10 wins, but no other pitcher in the rotation has more than five wins or an ERA below 4.31. Zach Davies at least has a winning record. Jake Arrieta and Adbert Alzolay are below .500.

The deadline could be a great chance to take advantage of teams ready to throw in the towel and cash in on their assets. The Twins fit that bill with Jose Berrios.

Berrios is a two-time All-Star with a 3.41 ERA and a record of 7-2 this season. He’d make a real difference in the Cubs rotation.

Minnesota has an incentive to deal him as his contract is up after this season. However, Chicago would have to beat out other suitors with a big offer.