The Chicago Cubs are struggling mightily this season. After nearly making it to the playoffs last year, the team is seemingly struggling to piece together a consistent season. There's been some bright spots, for sure, but this season has been filled with mostly frustration for the team. Injuries have also played a part in their struggles, too.
With that in mind, the Cubs are looking towards another struggling team to potentially fill a few gaps on their roster. The Toronto Blue Jays are in the same boat as Chicago. They came into this season with high expectations, but they have largely underperformed and sit at the bottom of their division. In addition, they seem to be struggling to sign two of their top stars in Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Bo Bichette.
Guerrero Jr and Bichette are due to get contract extensions this season. The Jays are apparently in danger of losing both stars after this season, as deals are not yet in the making. If that does happen, Bob Nightengale reports that the Jays are open to trading either player. The Cubs, with this knowledge, have had discussions about trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“Rival executives believe that if the Toronto Blue Jays don’t turn it around, and are unable to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to extensions, they will be open to moving them. The Chicago Cubs have privately discussed the possibility of trying to acquire Guerrero at the trade deadline.”
Guerrero Jr. would be an interesting acquisition for the Cubs if they push through with this deal. Chicago currently has Michael Busch manning first base for them, which is Vladdy's preferred position. Still, if a deal arises for a player of his caliber, you do the trade first and find ways later. Guerrero has returned to playing third base occasionally for the Jays, and there's no reason he wouldn't do that for another hypothetical team.
Cubs' tumultuous season
Before figuring out a Vladdy deal, though, the Cubs need to first get their current team sorted out this season. They sit at 31-34 for the season: less than ideal numbers for a supposed contender. Their bats can hit well, but they do not have the power to win games. They rank 22nd in slugging this season, which is not ideal.
It's not been all bad for the Cubs this season. Shota Imanaga has been a revelation for the Cubs this season. His command and excellence on the mound has given the team more than a few chances this season. Busch is having a solid season as well. However, the team just hasn't been consistent enough to win the games they needed to.
To make matters worse, the Cubs are currently dealing with injuries to two of their top guys. Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki are both on the injury report with various injuries. They had an electric start to the season, but they've struggled mightily since then. Can they recover just in time to pursue Vladdy? Or will they crumble and force the team to rebuild?
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