As we stand right now, we do not know what approach the Chicago Cubs will take to the upcoming MLB trade deadline. With the team 4 games under .500 but starting to gain momentum before the All-Star break, not only are fans confused about what the Cubs will do, but it feels like the Cubs themselves don’t even know what they will do. In recent weeks, we have seen trade rumors revolving around the Cubs getting rid of Jameson Taillon or Cody Bellinger, but this most recent MLB trade rumor has the Cubs acquiring a player.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Cubs have expressed interest in Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen. He makes it clear that how serious discussions have gotten is unknown.
It feels like it has been a long time since we last heard a rumor about a player that the Cubs are interested in acquiring. After the team took a dramatic free fall in May and June, it felt like all signs were pointing towards the team selling off pieces. But with the team winning six of their last nine leading up to the all-star break and sitting 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, the team might be more interested in pushing for the playoff spot.
If they were to acquire talent by the deadline, a player like Jansen would make the most sense. We all know the Cubs’ most significant need is help at the catching position. Miguel Amaya and Tomas Nido are simply not cutting it and are a black hole in the Cubs’ lineup. The only better option at this point would be minor-league catcher, Moises Ballesteros, who might not necessarily be ready for the majors after recently debuting in Triple-A.
Jansen, the 24-year-old catcher, has put together a solid season for Toronto. He is currently hitting .223 with six home runs. He has an OPS of .707 and is worth 1.2 WAR this season. Plus, his impact behind the plate is just as good as the bat.
The biggest question is where the Cubs and Blue Jays stand heading into the trade deadline. We already talked about the Cubs and their potential stance, but the Blue Jays are in an almost exact situation. The Blue Jays sit at 44-52, good enough for last place in the AL East. Like the Cubs, no one knows if they are willing to sell off their pieces or try and continue to make a run. We had the same thoughts and wonders when the Cubs reportedly targeted Vlad Guerrero Jr.
In all, it’s good to know the Cubs are targeting a position they need, and if they were to acquire Jansen, it would be a monster upgrade compared to what they currently have. But with the team at a crossroads and a trade deadline philosophy unclear, is it worth giving up prospect capital for a catcher who will be a free agent in 3 months? As it stands, I do not think we will have an idea of what the Cubs will ultimately decide until the days leading up to the trade deadline.
It all depends on where both teams are at in the standings, and how close they are to making the playoffs.