When it comes to iconic baseball rivalries, the Yankees and Red Sox often steal the spotlight. But tucked away in the heart of the National League, the Cubs-Cardinals feud has quietly brewed with just as much intensity, history, and grit. Just take a glance at the NL Central standings this season. It’s a dogfight, with Chicago and St. Louis clawing for every inch of ground. But the new twist in the story might bring a rare alliance that turns baseball tradition on its head.
Now imagine this: amidst all the tension and tradition, what if the Cubs and Cardinals suddenly become trade partners? Sounds unthinkable, right? And yet, recent reports suggest that possibility might not be so far-fetched. Thanks to none other than Cubs’ top star Pete Crow-Armstrong! He reportedly missed the game on Monday after bruising his right knee on Sunday against the Red Sox. However, his return to the lineup raises a larger question.
The Cubs need a backup! Even if it is connected to their arch rival.
While the injury came on Sunday, the Cubs were expecting Crow-Armstrong to steer clear of the IL. And fortunately, he’s actually back in the lineup tonight. However, that’s a gentle reminder that they don’t really have a true backup center fielder. Yes, Seiya Suzuki filled in and held his own, but it’s clear that spot isn’t his usual turf.
So, what’s next for the Cubs?
“Beyond Willi Castro, targeting former Cardinals’ outfielder Harrison Bader could be in play for the Cubs before the deadline,” Cubbiescrib reported about which players the Cubs might be targeting from the potential rental players of the Twins. While Castro can be a potential option, the most surprising one is Harrison Bader.
8/18/23 – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium – New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader #22 reacts after he reaches first on a fielders choice but New York Yankees left fielder Billy McKinney #57 is tagged out at second to end the fourth inning.
Photo by Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
8/18/23 – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium
Well, Bader is currently with the Twins, but he was with the Cardinals till 2022 and had a few memorable moments against the Cubs. Remember his 4 hits and 2 SBs in an 8–5 win against the Cubs in 2021? So, projecting him now with the Cubs would surely take some time for the fans to get into.
However, undoubtedly, Bader could be a solid fit for the Cubs. He’d give them a legit outfield option in case someone goes down over the final two months. On top of that, having Bader around would let the Cubs manage playing time for their starting outfielders a bit more carefully. Especially if they’re in a good spot in the standings. Plus, with 12 homers and a 115 wRC+, he’d bring a nice boost to the bench offensively.
Hence, to replace a player like Crow-Armstrong in case of emergency, the Cubs could leverage Bader, rather than hoping not to let the player hit the IL.
The Cubs have a few other players on the cart
Well, the Cubs are in the trade window with a big basket. “Chicago is already exploring the trade market for potential upgrades that could include a starting pitcher, a late-inning reliever, and a third baseman,” The Athletic reported.
Slugging is still a limitation for the Cubs. For instance, players like Justin Turner and Jon Berti have an OPS under .600, and their lack of production is becoming a problem. Here, the White Sox’s outfielder Mike Tauchman is projected to be a good fit for the Cubs. For the unversed, Tauchman spent the last two seasons with the Cubs and is quietly putting together a strong year on the South Side. Currently, he’s hitting .297 with 3 HRs and a .957 OPS, quite better than those he is projected to replace.
But wait… Other than outfielders, pitching is another gap to be filled by the Cubs. Ranking 13th in terms of ERA (3.87) might not be enough to excel in the postseason.
So, you would probably assume that Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, a former Cy Young winner, should be at the top of the Cubs’ trade wish list, and that’s a fair thought. But we think otherwise. Pirates All-Star Mitch Keller might actually be the smarter, more affordable option for Chicago. How?
Reportedly, Alcantara is set to make $17.3 million in 2025 and could be kept for two more years after that at a combined $39.3 million. Keller, meanwhile, is earning $15.4 million this season and is under team control for the next three years at a total of about $55.7 million. So, check their AAV and you know why Keller might be the safer long-term play.
Projected options are diverse for the Cubs to buy in. Now, time will tell how much they are actually going deep to have a few good picks. With the Cubs already slipping to the second position behind the Brewers, and top performers getting injury-prone, it’s now or never for the team.
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