With eight days before the MLB trade deadline, teams are still finalizing their plans. Which players should NL Central teams target?
With deadline rumors ramping up in anticipation of the August 1st MLB trade deadline, each NL Central team faces important choices in the next eight days. The division is promising to be a close race into the late summer and early fall, with the first-place Brewers holding a one-game lead over the Reds. The Cubs sit in third, 7.5 games back in the division and five from a wild-card spot. Separated by only a half-game at the bottom, the Cardinals and Pirates bring up the rear. With Cincinnati holding the first wild-card spot, the division will be a big factor in the National League playoff picture. Today, let’s identify one player each team should focus on at the MLB trade deadline, for both the buyers and sellers.
MLB Trade Deadline Targets for Each NL Central Team
Chicago Cubs- Major League Return for Trades
The Cubs have been mediocre this season, but at 48-51, they’re within striking distance of the playoffs. However, there’s not much breathing room in the National League playoff picture, and they have two players on expiring contracts. In a major seller’s market, the Cubs are a key focus at this year’s deadline. Nearly half the league is looking for starting pitching, and Marcus Stroman has performed at an All-Star level this year. Sporting a 3.09 ERA in 21 starts, if he is on the market he’ll be the top pitcher available. Similarly, Cody Bellinger is a former MVP in the middle of a resurgent season, slashing .319/.369/.549 while playing two positions. Despite the compelling reasons to keep their best players, the Cubs are better served selling high. With an expectation to compete next year and moving forward, the Cubs should target young Major League players, not prospects.
Cincinnati Reds – Dylan Cease
The surging Reds have been the talk of baseball since mid-June, and are set to be in the buyer’s market at the MLB Trade Deadline. However, to truly position the team for a deep October run, Cincinnati needs to acquire starting pitching. With recent rumors indicating that 2021 Rookie of the Year Jonathan India is available at the deadline, the Reds should use him to acquire Dylan Cease. The White Sox right-hander has been included in trade rumors since the offseason since he offers multiple years of team control and finished second in the AL Cy Young race in 2022. He’s regressed to a 4.04 ERA this season but is still young and offers elite strikeout numbers and upside. The Reds have prioritized young players with elite tools, and Cease’s fastball-curveball combination certainly fits the bill. A strong farm system will supplement India and get the deal done.
Milwaukee Brewers – C.J. Cron
The division-leading Brewers sit in one of the most unique positions at this year’s MLB trade deadline. Following last year’s surprising Josh Hader trade, Milwaukee holds another league-altering piece, Corbin Burnes. Burnes has been publicly announced as being off the block, so it’s unlikely that he will be moved despite the organization’s history. Instead, the Brewers will look to add at first base. C.J. Cron of the Rockies is a strong candidate to be traded. Cron provides middle-of-the-order power and fits a need after Rowdy Tellez’s injury. Already active at the trade deadline, the Rockies don’t figure to ask for a large return for Cron, who’s been a slightly below-average hitter this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Ji Man Choi
After getting out to a strong start in April, the Pirates have slid back to last place. Pittsburgh is in a tough spot at the MLB trade deadline, with few veteran players to offer in a trade. Since Andrew McCutchen will by all accounts stay a Pirate, Pittsburgh has two first basemen to sell: Choi and Carlos Santana. Santana is a steady veteran clubhouse presence though, and Choi is a tougher player to move. However, it’s essential that Pittsburgh is able to squeeze every drop of value from their roster and get any return possible for the impending free agent. Hitting .186 this season, Choi has not played well, but if Pittsburgh is able to find a willing partner, the deal should be made.
St. Louis Cardinals – Jordan Hicks
The Cardinals have flopped this season in all phases of the game. Underperforming every expectation, St. Louis is currently shopping all impending free agents and asking for young pitching prospects. Players like Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery are as good as gone. That said, a possible x-factor for a playoff team is flame-throwing veteran Jordan Hicks. Hicks brings playoff-closing experience and has pitched to a 3.76 ERA this season. The market is thin on high-leverage relievers, and Hicks offers a higher upside than most available NL relievers. A package with the best combination of pitching prospects would benefit the Cardinals’ future plans greatly, especially if there is a bidding war at the eleventh hour.
Main photo credits:
Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Marcus Stroman, Cody Bellinger, Dylan Cease, Jonathan India, C.J. Cron, Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes, Rowdy Tellez, Ji Man Choi, Andrew McCutchen, Carlos Santana, Jordan Hicks, Jack Flaherty, Jordan Montgomery
