After a promising start in April, the Chicago Cubs have hit a rough patch in May, causing a slide in the MLB standings.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Cubs have an opportunity to strengthen their roster and boost their playoff chances.
Let’s delve into the key issues and explore two potential trade targets that could help the Cubs turn their season around.
Current Challenges for the Cubs
The Cubs’ struggles in recent weeks are evident in their statistics. Despite a solid starting rotation that ranks 10th in ERA (3.55) and boasts a 3.10 ERA from the starters, the bullpen and batting lineup have been underwhelming. The bullpen ranks 20th in ERA (4.26), and the lineup is 29th in OPS (.632), with a dismal .211/.296/.336 slash line over the past month.
To address these issues, the Cubs need to enhance both their bullpen and batting lineup. Here are two trade targets who could significantly impact the team’s performance:
Kenley Jansen, Boston Red Sox
While ERA can sometimes be misleading, Kenley Jansen’s numbers make a compelling case for his acquisition.
Currently, the Boston Red Sox are looking to offload his salary, making him an attractive target for the Cubs. Jansen’s stats this season include a 2.50 ERA and 6 saves in 18 innings pitched. However, his underlying metrics, such as a 17.5 percent walk rate and a 5.09 expected ERA, suggest that Chicago should be cautious.
Despite these concerns, Jansen’s strikeout rate of 30.7 percent and a .188 batting average allowed highlight his effectiveness. At 36 years old, Jansen isn’t the dominant closer he once was, but his experience and ability to handle high-pressure situations would be valuable additions to the Cubs’ bullpen. Moreover, his playoff experience could provide a significant boost as the Cubs aim for a postseason run.
Alex Bregman, Houston Astros
While Christopher Morel shows promise for the future, his current performance isn’t contributing positively to the Cubs’ playoff aspirations. With a -0.8 fWAR and a .631 OPS, Morel’s struggles are evident, particularly on defense, where he ranks in the 1st percentile for Outs Above Average. This defensive weakness is a critical issue, as the Cubs rank 28th in Defensive Runs Saved (-6) at third base.
Alex Bregman offers a potential solution. Though his contract is expiring, making him a half-season rental, this also reduces his acquisition cost. Bregman’s current slash line of .206/.273/.317 might not seem impressive, but his 96th percentile ranking for Outs Above Average suggests he’s still a strong defender.
Additionally, Bregman’s track record indicates he can return to being an above-average hitter, which would be a significant upgrade for the Cubs’ lineup.
Conclusion
As the trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs have clear areas for improvement. By targeting Kenley Jansen and Alex Bregman, the team can bolster their bullpen and strengthen their batting lineup, addressing key weaknesses that have emerged in May.
These strategic acquisitions could play a crucial role in reigniting the Cubs’ playoff push and setting the stage for a successful second half of the season.