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We haven’t seen much if any rumors surrounding the Cubs as we approach the trade deadline on Monday. That is until now, as the Cubs are reportedly in trade talks with the Tigers.
According to The Athletic, the Cubs have asked about veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin, among other names.
Via The Athletic.
The Cubs and Tigers have been active in talks, according to sources, that have included Chicago asking on veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin.
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The 33-year-old has primarily started in center field throughout his career and although the career .701 OPS isn’t anything to get excited about Maybin does carry an OK .324 OBP.
The good years have been few and far between for the right-handed hitter, posting an .801 OPS with the Tigers in 2016, when he slashed .315/.383/.418, in 94 games and an .858 OPS with the Yankees last year in 82 games.
In 13 games with the Tigers this season, Maybin has a .256/.310/.436 slash line. That’s good for a 100 wRC+, pretty much making him an average hitter so far this year.
It’s possible the interest in Maybin by the Cubs points to an issue with Steven Souza Jr.’s health. Souza was placed on the 10-day IL on Aug. 18, with a hamstring strain and there hasn’t been any clear word on his return. The latest on Souza is that he went to the team’s training site in South Bend.
The Cubs also haven’t gotten any production from Albert Almora Jr.
Although Maybin isn’t a prolific hitter, he still plays good defense and has 183 career stolen bases. The Cubs just don’t have a lot of team speed, so that’s one tool the team could use from Maybin.
Drafted by the Tigers in the first round back in 2005, Maybin re-signed in Detroit this past offseason for $1.5 million. We know the Cubs aren’t going to be adding players with big salaries via trade, so this would be a cheap alternative.
