MLB Rumors: Cubs panic, Brewers switch lanes, Reds trade targets

MLB Rumors: Will the Cubs sell?

Chicago opened the second half with an 8-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. While one game shouldn’t be enough to change the team’s trade deadline plans, the Cubs are an organization in flux. Yes, Jed Hoyer and Co. should prefer to add at the deadline rather than sell of spare parts, but this team remains several games below .500 and is rapidly trending in the wrong direction as it pertains to the NL Central and NL Wild Card races.

“There’s nothing we want more than to add, to continue to win this season,” Hoyer said. “But if we are in a position where that doesn’t look like the right bet to make, then we’ll pivot.”

The Cubs have some valuable assets if they do decide to sell. Players like Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger can land them a hefty haul. Stroman has an opt-out after this season, and Bellinger will be a free agent. Chicago has tried to extend both at one time or another, but those contract talks fell short of expectation.

“I definitely know what is possible,” Bellinger said. “I’m focusing on helping this team win while I am here. And hopefully we can get on a little roll and stay together.”

Hoyer and his front office used the All-Star Break to clear their heads, and focus on long-term goals. Odds are, this will not be the next Cubs World Series team. But they also cannot afford to trade away core players who could be a part of something special in Chicago.

David Ross knows the importance of the next few weeks on the north side.

“It’s going to be dependent on how we play, right?” Ross said. “If we play [poorly], there will probably be more stuff going on. If we play really good and get on the roll, then we won’t probably hear much of the noise. It all comes down to how we play.”

No pressure, Chicago.