Cubs Nudged to Target Diamondbacks Slugger, Pitcher in 5-Player Blockbuster
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The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks look like ready-made trade partners.
On one side, Chicago wants nothing more than to make a World Series push in their only guaranteed year of control over outfielder Kyle Tucker. They've fallen behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division race, and they could use a slugging third baseman and another reliable starting pitcher.
The Diamondbacks have both of those things, and they've already kick-started their deadline fire sale. Between now and Thursday evening, there should be plenty of other quality Arizona veterans on the move, including third baseman Eugenio Suárez and starting pitcher Merrill Kelly.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 20: Eugenio Suarez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Chase Field on July 20,...
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 20: Eugenio Suarez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Chase Field on July 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. MoreCould the Cubs pull off a package deal for Suárez and Kelly, both of whom will also head to free agency this winter?
On Wednesday, Brent Maguire of MLB.com proposed a mock trade for the Cubs to acquire the two veterans, shipping outfielder Kevin Alcántara, right-handed pitcher Jaxon Wiggins, and utility man James Triantos to Arizona.
"The Cubs have received just a .574 OPS from their third basemen, tied with the Pirates for the worst mark of any team in the Majors. Their starting pitchers are roughly middle of the pack but are still one impact starter short of fielding a competitive playoff rotation. Enter Suárez and Kelly, both of whom are impending free agents," Maguire wrote.
"It's a steep prospect return for the Cubs, but Suárez reportedly has no shortage of suitors, which will only drive up the price. That will benefit the D-backs, who land two Top 100 prospects in this deal, both of whom could realistically be options in the Majors the last few months of the season."
Giving up three controllable young players for two veterans that are likely to go elsewhere after two months in a Cubs uniform is always going to be scary. But Suárez and Kelly have combined for 6.6 bWAR this season, and could be the difference between a division title and Wild Card berth.
So if Maguire's package proposal is close to what the Diamondbacks would demand in reality, Chicago shouldn't think twice about pulling the trigger.
More MLB: Yankees Rumors: Pirates Emerging As Likely Pitching Trade Partner?
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