3 trade deadline moves that could save the Cubs season

Among the less-complicated trade targets come July 30 will be Rockies starter German Marquez.

He’s coming off a complete game one-hit performance which lowered his ERA to 3.62 to go along with a 1.188 WHIP across 99.1 innings. Marquez also leads all major-league pitchers with three complete games this season.

Marquez, 26, has two-years, $26.6 million remaining beyond this season including a $16 million team option and $2.5 million buyout for 2024.

He’s coming into his own this season and the numbers show it. Not only would this help the Cubs for the remainder of this season, but it also gives them a controllable option for the future. His current contract is very do-able given his performances and projected production, so it will come down to what Colorado is looking for at the deadline.

On paper, it wouldn’t seem likely a team that has struggled to produce consistent starter pitchers would be willing to part ways with a controllable young asset. Then again, this is also the same franchise who gave away Nolan Arenado for almost nothing, plus paying for parts of his salary for this season and beyond.

It’s certainly possible a team like the Cubs can finesse their way into a fleece without having to give up too much for Marquez which could affect their future.