3 prospects Cubs should target at the MLB trade deadline

CHICAGO, IL - May 16: Willson Contreras of the Chicago Cubs celebrates as he rounds third base after hitting his 100th career home run, a grand slam, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on May 16, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 28: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs points towards first base after scoring in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 28, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

1. New York Yankees, LHP, Ken Waldichuk

Another well-documented fit for Willson Contreras (and perhaps a bullpen arm) is the New York Yankees, who could dangle No. 5 prospect Ken Waldichuk in trade talks with Chicago.

Waldichuk, 24, is a left-handed starter who the Yankees took in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft and has made it as high as Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yanks system. Through 11 starts split between Double-A and Triple-A, the southpaw has a 5-2 record with a 2.01 ERA and 80 strikeouts in just 53+ innings.

An above-average pitcher at limiting walks and home runs, Waldichuk would give the Cubs an intriguing arm that could help out the big league club as early as later this season or, more realistically, next season.

Next. 3 long-term replacements for Willson Contreras if he is dealt. dark

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