Would Chicago Cubs Deal This Prospect At Trade Deadline?

The Chicago Cubs haven’t yet figured out if they’re buyers or sellers at the Aug. 1 trade deadline. But, if they want to buy, they’re going to have to give up talent to get talent that can help them win the National League Central.

Recently, MLB.com put together a list of one prospect that each organization could trade to make a deal at the deadline.

For the Cubs, the site selected outfielder Alexander Canario, the organization’s No. 10 overall prospect.

Canario has been with the Cubs since the 2021 season. He was part of the package the Cubs received when they traded Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants.

Since he arrived, he’s played for the High Class-A South Bend Cubs, the Double-A Tennessee Smokies and the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

He’s missed most of this season with an injury that put him on the 60-day injured list to start the season. He’s played in 22 games and has slashed .244/.359/.346/.705 with one home run and 13 RBI.

Organizational depth at his position could play a role in him being used in trade, per MLB.com:

The Cubs are fringe contenders, but if they want to make a deal, one of the strengths of their improving farm system is outfield depth. … Canario fits the right-field profile with power and arm strength. After ranking second in the Minors with 37 homers last year, he broke his left ankle and dislocated his left shoulder in a baserunning mishap in the Dominican Winter League, costing him most of the first three months of this season.

The Cubs, to many, are poised to be sellers at the deadline with pitcher Marcus Stroman and outfielder Cody Bellinger the most likely candidates to be shipped out.

But, if the Cubs are in a position to buy at the deadline, Canario might be on the list.

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