Key Takeaways:
– Chicago Cubs may acquire three-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. according to Bleacher Report.
– Toronto Blue Jays, with a run of 21-26, are rumoured to have Guerrero and Bo Bichette as likely trade pieces.
– An unnamed executive mentioned that while the Blue Jay’s trade expectations were high, it might be a prospective strategy to restructure the team.
– The Cubs have considerable prospects, which may be used as trade leverage for Guerrero.
– If traded, Guerrero’s addition could solidify the Cubs’ inconsistent Designated Hitter place.
– Guerrero’s acquisition might not be a budget-friendly move for the Cubs given his high arbitration result.
Chicago Cubs Show Interest in Trade Deal
Currently enjoying a favourable position in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs are actively seeking to augment their team. As the trade deadline approaches, sources report that three-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on their radar for acquisition. The speculation featured in Bleacher Report, courtesy of Zachary D. Rymer.
Rising Trade Speculations -Cubs Vs. Jays
Toronto Blue Jays, not faring as well in their season with a 21-26 record, are seen as a cornucopia of possible trade options. Among the most notable are Guerrero and Bo Bichette, who are viewed as key pieces that could be dealt to revamp the Blue Jays for future seasons. This claim was substantiated by an anonymous executive who confided to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand about the Blue Jays’ openness to discuss player trades.
“Sure, the demands were quite outlandish but looks like they’re planning to shake things up. Their players becoming tradeable assets might just be the way forward,” the unknown figure indicated.
Guerrero’s Potential Impact on Cubs Offense
The intriguing element about the presumed trade conversation is that the Cubs are well-equipped with the necessary prospects to negotiate a deal for Guerrero. The player may just be the solution to the Cubs’ dilemma of finding a consistent designated hitter, an issue the team has been grappling with for some time now.
Currently, the Cubs have Michael Busch holding fort at first base, a role in which Guerrero had excelled, bagging him a Gold Glove Award in 2022. Thus, both, if on the same team, could competently divide their time between being a designated hitter and first baseman—an arrangement that could notably stabilize the team’s offense.
Guerrero’s Trade Worth
Before the 2024 season, Guerrero had an arbitration hearing, where he was offered a whopping $18.05 million by the Blue Jays. This figure, later pegged at $19.9 million, represented the largest sum ever allotted in a hearing-decreed case. Therefore, any deal involving Guerrero won’t be a light financial exercise for the Cubs.
Despite Guerrero’s batting average standing at a solid .286 and his home-run count trailing off over the past few seasons, Zachary D. Rymer believes he could restore his former grandeur. “His swing is innately powerful. The issue lies in his pitch impact frequency. But the right coaching could correct this flaw,” opined Rymer. Cubs may look into trading Guerrero by the forthcoming winter if a long-term contract isn’t on their minds. However, having him on board could prove instrumental in a potential World Series triumph for the Cubs in 2024.
The coming season is shaping up to be an exciting one on the trading front. With the Cubs showing interest in high-profile players and the Blue Jays seemingly open to shaking things up, fans can expect a season filled with surprises.