Chicago Cubs Could Target Star Third Baseman in Blockbuster Trade

The Chicago Cubs could be looking to have a full-time third baseman for the 2024 season after rotating players last year. They might be able to land one in a blockbuster trade.

Much of the attention placed upon the Chicago Cubs right now is their candidacy to sign Shohei Ohtani in free agency.

That's with good reason as well. Anytime a team can add the best player in baseball it should be a priority.

But while that is getting the majority of headlines, the Cubs also have other holes on their roster that Ohtani and their former slugger Cody Bellinger can't fill.

Third base is seen as a major area of need after Chicago had a revolving door of players at that position in 2023, with no one able to step up and own the full-time role.

Free agent Matt Chapman has been linked to them throughout the offseason, but if the Cubs are really interested in signing Ohtani, they might not be willing to spend for the best available third baseman as well.

So, who would make sense that would be an upgrade at the position?

Well, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, he's expecting the Tampa Bay Rays to make Isaac Paredes available in trade talks this offseason.

"He’s one of the most valuable position players that I believe is going to be traded this offseason," the insider said on MLB Network's TV show "Hot Stove."

Paredes is coming off of his career best year in 2023 after slashing .250/.352/.488 with 31 home runs and 98 RBI.

When discussing any infield additions to the Cubs, defense has to be included in the conversation as well. Chicago has placed an emphasis on infield defense, which is one of the reasons why some players on their current roster weren't the everyday players.

The 24-year-old is an average defender according to Baseball Savant. He didn't provide negative run value or positive run value and was zero Outs Above Average during 2023.

The Cubs could view this as acceptable with the positives that his bat brings.

Paredes is under club control through 2027, which is a major plus for Chicago as well.

If the Rays are serious about trading the rising star, then the Cubs should definitely make a call to see what it will take to get Paredes onto their roster.