Cubs-Cardinals Trade Idea Sends $275 Million Slugger to Chicago
The Chicago Cubs started the season with Matt Shaw at third base, but the top prospect was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after hitting .172 with a .535 OPS in his first 18 Major League Baseball games.
Since then, multiple infielders have taken their turn at third, with Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan, Justin Turner, Gage Workman, and Nicky Lopez all receiving an opportunity.
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Despite the Cubs' offense being just one run behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (257) for most runs scored in the league, there's potential for the front office to look for an offensive upgrade at the hot corner while Shaw improves his game in the minors.
Garret Kerman of Clutch Points believes the Cubs' options for players they could target in a trade may be limited. One candidate Kerman does not rule out is St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
"For the Cubs, the fit is obvious. Their infield defense and offensive production at third base have lagged behind the rest of the roster, and adding Arenado would instantly transform a weakness into a strength," Kerman wrote about how a Cubs trade for Arenado could benefit the team.
"Pairing Arenado with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner would give Chicago arguably the best defensive infield in baseball, while his bat would lengthen a lineup already featuring Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki."
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields a ground ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium.Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
In the trade idea, the Cardinals receive three prospects: Second baseman James Triantos, right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, and right fielder Kevin Alcantara. The package of players the Cubs trade in this hypothetical deal is steep, but that may be the price point to acquire a future Hall of Fame player like Arenado.
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"For the Cardinals, the return is exactly what they need. Triantos can step in as the third baseman of the future, Horton gives them a potential frontline starter, and Alcántara brings star potential to the outfield," wrote Kerman.
"The salary relief allows St. Louis to reallocate resources and address other areas of need, all while restocking a system that's been thinned by years of contention."
A trade between the NL Central division rivals is rare, but the Cubs may become desperate to improve at third base.
Related: Cubs Outfielder Putting up Historic Team Numbers
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