Cubs Predicted to Add Matt Shaw Replacement at Trade Deadline

The Chicago Cubs are atop the NL Central and look to contend for a top spot in the National League overall. However, there are some areas the team could address before the trade deadline.

Jed Hoyer and the Cubs need to address this in the starting rotation. But, instead of a starter, in an article from The Athletic, and Cubs writer Sahadev Sharma, the Cubs are predicted to add a Matt Shaw replacement.

"Everyone around this team assumes pitching is the focus at the deadline." Sharma writes, "It is. But the Cubs are going to look at any way to get better. Right now, third base and the bench are not strengths, especially offensively. They'll find a way to improve at least one of those areas, in turn lengthening an already deep and fearsome lineup."

Improving the Cubs' offense may seem redundant. For a team that The Cubs rank fourth in team OPS (.771), third in home runs (142), first in RBIs (501), second in runs scored (512), and third in hits (849) across MLB this season.

The Cubs are also fifth in doubles (166), second in triples (20), sixth in walks (331), third in stolen bases (108), and second in slugging percentage (.446). Improving the offense doesn't seem necessary, but two areas could use help.