With the Chicago Cubs struggling for what’s felt like an eternity, losing twelve of their last fourteen series, and the MLB trade deadline less than a month away, there’s a strong possibility that this team could look a lot different by the end of the month.
And at this point, screw it. Why not?
Jon Morosi of MLB Network seems to be on the same page as me. For the past few days, Morosi has tossed around trade ideas for contending teams with one of those ideas being a trade involving Hoerner and the Seattle Mariners.
Earlier today Morosi spoke on MLB Central and talked about a few of his trade scenarios involving not only Hoerner but starting pitcher Jameson Taillon as well.
How are things trending for the Rangers and Cubs as we enter trade deadline month?@jonmorosi has the latest on #MLBCentral. pic.twitter.com/w0ZDRf9MWw
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 1, 2024
I get it, Hoerner has been a fan favorite for the last few seasons, thanks to a breakout year in 2023, and Taillon has bounced back from a subpar 2023 season that’s seen his ERA drop to 3.03. But with the Cubs falling to 11.5 games back in the division after being T-bagged by the Milwaukee Brewers this past weekend, and sitting so mighty with the third-worst record in the National League, it’s time for the Cubs to make a change.
I don’t know Jack about running a front office (some would say Jed Hoyer doesn’t either), but I highly doubt Taillon is dealt by the deadline. Hoerner however, could be another story. With his Gold Glove-caliber defense, speed on the basepaths, and the potential to be a high-contact hitter, maybe the West Coast native could see himself in a new uniform by August 1st.
But what would a trade package for Hoerner look like? Could the Cubs get a good enough return package for a guy that’s under contract until the end of 2026? In 76 games so far this season he’s posting a .248/.334/.348 slash line with 14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 29 walks, and 36 strikeouts. Yes, he’s guaranteed to show off lockdown defense at second base, but good enough to return a high-end prospect at the very least? Let’s just hope the Mariners would be in a very generous mood if a trade for the one-time Gold Glove winner were to take place.
At this point I’d take Seattle’s backup infield mower if he can show any signs of life with a baseball bat. I’m at the point where if Hoyer actually did decide to finally do something with this team, even if it was trading every player and their mother in hopes of moving just one spot in the standings, I would not care. Go for it. I’m numb to the pain of this team’s lack of offense, blown-up bullpen, and creative ways of blowing a lead.
But for a guy in Jed Hoyer, who has shown fewer signs of life this season than our current President showed the other night in his little debate, it would not surprise me at all if by the trade deadline he did exactly what he’s done all season: absolutely nothing.
Happy trade season everyone. And buckle up. It’s that time of year when we hear 15,000 different trade rumors for the next thirty days and only three of them will come to fruition. F$@# it. I’ll start with one: Barry Bonds is coming out of retirement to join the Cubs. Is it happening? Probably not, but it’s the most exciting thing that’s happened around here since Sammy Sosa made his first public appearance in Chicago back in March. And that’s pretty sad.
