Chicago Cubs Prove They’re Contenders Following Exciting Trade Deadline

Not too long ago it looked like the Chicago Cubs might have a fire sale. But, after a post All-Star break turnaround, the Cubs have their eyes on challenging for a National League Central title.

The Cubs made trades like a team that was looking to make a move. Here’s a look at each deal the Cubs made and how it could impact the final two months of the season.

Rays acquire RHP Adrian Sampson and RHP Manuel Rodríguez from Cubs for RHP Josh Roberson

The Rays have been banged up in the starting pitching department lately, so getting Sampson helps them significantly. Sampson is a player in the midst of the best stretch of his career, with a 139 ERA+ over 139 1/3 innings since the start of 2022 and a 3.11 ERA this season in 21 games (19 starts). The Cubs gave up a player under team control through 2026 and threw in a reliever in Rodríguez who hasn’t seen much time in the Majors.

So what did the Cubs get? Roberson is a reliever with a 4.50 ERA this season for Triple-A Durham. So he gives the Cubs some organizational depth in their bullpen. Whether he’s of help to them know remains to be seen.

Cubs acquire RHP Jose Cuas from Royals for OF Nelson Velázquez

Cuas is the type of relief help that can support the Cubs now, and perhaps that gave them the freedom to deal for a player like Roberson. Cuas had a 4.54 ERA in 41 2.3 innings with Kansas City, striking out more than one hitter per inning. It’s the kind of strikeout rate the Cubs need in their bullpen.

The Royals are getting a controllable prospect with some pop in Velázquez, who has played just 13 Major League games and hit 16 home runs with Triple-A Iowa. He’s cheap power, and the Royals need that.

Cubs acquire 3B Jeimer Candelario from Nationals for SS Kevin Made and LHP DJ Herz

The centerpiece deal for the Cubs. The switch-hitter was playing on a one-year, $5 million deal with the Nationals. He’s batting .258 with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs. He can play third and first base. The Cubs know him, as he used to be in their system. Acquiring Candelario gave the Cubs the freedom to designate Trey Mancini for assignment.

To get him the Cubs gave up a pair of Top 20 prospects in Made and Herz. Made was at High Class-A South Bend and Herz was at Double-A Tennessee. They both need more development, but both could see the big leagues in two years.

Cubs acquire C/1B P.J. Higgins from D-backs for cash

A mid-July deal, the Cubs gave themselves some depth by re-acquiring the former Cubs prospect for cash and assigning him to the minors. The Cubs would only call him up if they absolutely needed him.

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