Chicago's trade deadline split: Cubs buying, White Sox selling
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Pete Crow-Armstrong plays defense during a recent game at Wrigley Field. Photo: Matt Dirksen/Getty Images
The MLB trade deadline is Thursday, and both the Cubs and the White Sox are expected to be wheeling and dealing.
Why it matters: For the Cubs, it's about retooling for a playoff run. For the White Sox, it's about retooling for the future.
State of play: Watch for the Cubs to make deals for pitchers and a third baseman to fortify their roster for a deep playoff run.
Yes, but: A slew of teams are in contention, looking to trade for the same positions, making this deadline more competitive than usual.
Zoom in: Barring a collapse, the North Siders are playoff-bound. They have possible MVP candidates in Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, but have dealt with some injuries, most notably losing ace pitcher Justin Steele for the season.
The intrigue: The Cubs have one of the best minor league systems in baseball. If they want to make a splash and trade for a superstar, they have better prospects than most other teams to give in return.
- Outfielder Owen Caissie is one of the best in the minor leagues.
Between the lines: The Cubs could go after Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez, but he's having a monster season, so the price may be steep.
- Another third baseman reportedly on the trade block is the Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, but it's unlikely the NL Central rivals would make a deal with each other.
- Former All-Star pitcher Sandy Alcántara from the Marlins is an option, or the Royals' Seth Lugo.
- Don't be surprised if they take a swing at relief pitching, too. The Guardians' Emmanuel Clase and the Orioles' Félix Bautista could be available.
The other side: For the White Sox, the team is starting to click as some of the highly touted prospects find their way to the big league roster.
Reality check: Even with a modest winning streak since the All-Star break, the Sox are out of contention and will be selling at the deadline.
The most notable name is Luis Robert Jr. He's had an awful season, but has turned it around in the last few weeks. It may be enough for the Sox to get a good deal in return.
- The San Diego Padres and the Cincinnati Reds are rumored to be interested.
- Also, journeyman pitchers Adrian Houser and Aaron Civale could bring back some young players for the future.
The bottom line: The pressure is on both front offices to improve their teams for the short-term and long-term futures.