The Chicago Cubs front office has made one thing clear: they are going all in on this team. This means they will do anything to get the pieces they need via trade. They have no problem with selling their current farm system if it means a chance to win it all this year. They have made it clear that they will trade for starting pitching, as that has been a weak spot all season. The Cubs will also go after a relief pitcher and someone new at third base. Because Matt Shaw has been the Cubs’ weakest link, they hope to trade for a one-year rental at the hot corner. Who could this be?
Top Third Base Targets for the Cubs at Trade Deadline
Eugenio Suárez
Eugenio Suárez, third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is by far the most sought-after target for the Cubs at third base. Suárez provides an excellent bat, as he is fourth in MLB in home runs at 26 and has a .888 OPS. Additionally, he plays pretty good defense at third. Not only is he an excellent player, but he would be one of the cheapest options for the Cubs, which is perfect for a one-year rental. The Diamondbacks are only three games out of the wild card, so it is not clear yet whether or not they will be selling. But, seeing as the Cubs have expressed interest in D-Backs starting pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen, it could be a perfect package deal.
While Matt Shaw has improved on the defensive side, Suárez’s hitting ability is very much desired. Shaw is very young but has not found his way at the plate. Although he has played better since his recall, he is only slashing .221/.305/.315 this year. This has posed the need for a new third baseman for this year. Getting both Suárez and either Gallen or Kelly from the D-Backs would be the best-case scenario for the Cubs when it comes to the third base position.
Ke’Bryan Hayes
Ke’Bryan Hayes is a name that has caused some buzz in the trade world. According to Francys Romero, the Cubs are one of a few teams monitoring Hayes as a possible trade piece.
Several teams are closely monitoring 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes as a trade piece, according to industry sources.
Hayes is one of the players most likely to be traded, with the Tigers, Yankees, and Cubs among the potential suitors.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) June 28, 2025
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This trade wouldn’t make a ton of sense for the Cubs. While they have been linked to RHP Mitch Keller and think they might be able to package Hayes in a trade, it wouldn’t be much of an upgrade at third. Hayes this year is hitting .247 with a .602 OPS and only two home runs. These numbers are almost identical to Shaw’s, and the defensive upside on Hayes is not much greater than Shaw’s. Not to mention, Hayes would not be cheap and would cost more for the Cubs than a trade for Suárez or just keeping Shaw. It appears that Hayes is just an older version of Matt Shaw, so it would make more sense to just let Shaw grow into his role. If the Cubs do end up trading for Hayes, it will be interesting to see how it pans out.
Alex Bregman
First things first, a trade for Alex Bregman is a long shot. The Cubs showed interest in Bregman this offseason before he signed with the Boston Red Sox. He ended up signing a 3-year $120 million deal with the Red Sox, so he would come at a steep price. Bregman has been out since May 23rd with a quad strain and is hopeful to be back before the All-Star break. Before his injury, he was putting up All-Star-like numbers with a .299 average, a .938 OPS, and 11 home runs. Any trade would be a little bit of a gamble, as no one knows if he will come back still playing at this level.
While the Red Sox are not confirmed sellers at the deadline, they have been sliding as they are 3-7 in their last 10 games. They also shipped off Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on June 15th. If their poor level of play continues, the Red Sox may be forced to sell what little they have at the deadline. As mentioned above, a Bregman trade is unlikely even if he is on the market. But, this would be a great get for the Cubs at third base.
Main Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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