How will the Chicago Cubs replace Matt Shaw? That seems to be the question heading into the trade deadline in July, as the Cubs have a few tough decisions to make during that span.
While Chicago will likely wait to make its big move before the deadline, the Cubs could look to make a trade soon.
There aren’t many perfect third basemen on the market, unless they want to trade for Nolan Arenado of the St Louis Cardinals. Any deal with the Cardinals might be questionable due to the division rivalry, but the Cubs have the top farm system in baseball, and the Cardinals should be interested in a trade with them if the price is right.
Outside of that, the team might have to get creative, perhaps trading for somebody like Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Recently, he was named a trade candidate.
“You ready for a shocker? Number nine is Bo Bichette. He didn’t get a $500 million contract extension. His teammate, Vladdy, did. I know he doesn’t have a home run yet. I get it. He’s hitting 290. I think he’s looking more comfortable at the plate. I don’t think the Blue Jays are going to the World Series,” Greg Amsinger of MLB Network said.
It’d be strange to see the Blue Jays move on from Bichette, but many have suggested that it’ll happen. With his contract up at the end of the year, Toronto will likely have to pay him $200 million plus, something its front office might not want to do.
If not, the Cubs would be a perfect suitor for him, as he clearly needs a bat of his caliber. If Bichette were willing to slide over to third base, his bat would be welcomed in this lineup.
He’s currently hitting .295, and despite not hitting a home run, he’s had three years with 20-plus in his seven-year career.
Bichette will be paid handsomely. Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors predicts he will land a $200 million deal.
