The Chicago Cubs know full well that they can’t reasonably expect to contend for a playoff spot moving forward.
Despite boasting the best run differential in the National League Central, Chicago finds itself at 45-50 and in third place in the division.
Per Jon Heyman of the NY Post, this has led to other teams believing that Chicago will be sellers ahead of the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline.
It makes sense, Chicago has a talented young core. It also has several valuable trade chips, including impending free agent pitcher Marcus Stroman and stud outfielder Cody Bellinger. Both could be seen as the best players at their position realistically available.
Related: MLB trade tracker with grades
Why the Chicago Cubs should sell at MLB trade deadline
As noted above, Chicago doesn’t really stand a chance of earning a spot in the MLB Playoffs this season. In addition to being eight games out in the division, the team is 6.5 games out of the final wild card spot. Reality has to be setting in with 67 games remaining in the campaign.
Stroman, 32, is in the midst of his best season since all the way back in 2015 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s pitching to a 10-6 record with a 2.88 ERA and 1.09 WHIP while striking out 191 batters in 118.2 innings. Certainly, Chicago could get a massive haul for the NL Cy Young candidate if team president Jed Hoyer and Co. opted to move the veteran.
It also must be noted that the Cubs would face an uphill climb to re-sign Stroman during MLB free agency this coming winter.
As for Bellinger, the former National League MVP is in the midst of a rebound season in the Windy City. He’s hitting a stellar .311 with 12 homers, 35 RBI and a studly .894 OPS. Also set to become a free agent, re-signing Bellinger is not a guarantee.
Chicago’s top prospect, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, is currently doing his thing at Double-A and could be ready to join the big-league club to open next season.
As for other Cubs players who could be on the market ahead of the MLB trade deadline, catcher Yan Gomes and utility man Ian Happ will have value. The same thing can be said for longtime starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks and veteran Drew Smyly.