Chicago Cubs Must Do Something Unthinkable at Trade Deadline

The Chicago Cubs have little idea of whether to be buyers or sellers at the MLB trade deadline, but perhaps they should do neither.

The Chicago Cubs are on a roll right now having won three-straight games and improving their position in both the divisional and Wild Card race.

It's making the decision to sell or buy at the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline harder and harder with every passing win. 

Will they or won't they sell their two most valuable assets in Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman?

Perhaps the most radical or unthinkable idea would be to do. . . nothing. 

By not selling, the front office would be signaling to the clubhouse and the fanbase that they believe in this iteration of the club enough to continue pushing for an outside shot at a postseason spot. 

You also keep two of your most valuable players on the roster, giving both the player and team more time to see if it's a fit as both Bellinger and Stroman are due to become free agents at the end of the season.

Bellinger is a player Chicago should look to extend or re-sign, he's exactly what they need patrolling the outfield. Stroman has been vocal about wanting to remain a Cub, keeping him onboard and showing faith in the roster is a mark in the "pros" column for the ace. 

But just because they won't sell doesn't mean they should buy either. 

This roster has performed well but come up unlucky in many situations, one needs only look at their positive-41 run differential to see that.

Chicago doesn't need to let go of prospects to improve this season. Statistically, they should just regress back to the mean and things will work out in the "luck" department.

Sure, selling Bellinger and Stroman could net the club some elite prospects, but keeping them sends a signal to the entire organization that the Cubs have arrived. They aim to win. 

Perhaps the most unthinkable action would be to take no action at all at the MLB trade deadline. 

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