Cubs cause trade war, Cardinals ideal addition, Skubal-Yankees

The MLB trade deadline is approaching faster than we could have imagined. So far, little has happened, a few players have been traded, but nothing really exciting. However, that could change quickly.

The next week or two should be a really exciting time at the deadline. Stars like Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Pete Alonso and Luis Robert Jr. are all being discussed as possible trades that could be made in the next few weeks.

This year’s deadline could be pretty exciting. But it could also be a bust. I think only time will tell.

The Chicago Cubs have had quite a rollercoaster ride this year. They began the year as one of the best teams in the league and showed the potential to compete with the Milwaukee Brewers at the top of the division in the NL Central.

But after a terrible stretch in May and most of June, the Cubs have gone from potential buyers to almost certain sellers. FanGraphs currently gives the Cubs a 6.7 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Given these odds, the Cubs could look to trade away their starter Jameson Taillon, who has caught the eye of teams across the league.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale discussed some of the transfer options for Cubs starter Taillon.

“The Boston Red Sox And Yankees have spoken to the Chicago Cubs about starter Jameson Taillon, but the Cubs are not yet sure if they will be buyers or sellers,” Nightengale wrote.

With the Red Sox and Yankees both needing a starting pitcher at the deadline, this rivalry could go much deeper than just on the field. They could try to sign the same players.

Both teams have a connection to Taillon. New York had him under contract for several years before he joined the Cubs, and Boston President of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow was a big proponent of bringing Taillon to Chicago when Breslow was with the Cubs.

The Chicago White Sox will be the most aggressive sellers at the trade deadline this year. They could trade their superstars Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet if they get the right package of young players in return.

They could also look to trade away their breakout starter Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham, whose contract is expiring. Closer Michael Kopech is also a candidate to be traded this year.

If you are on the White Sox roster and another team is interested, there is a chance you will be traded.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale listed Fedde as a possible transfer candidate to the St. Louis Cardinals.

“The St. Louis Cardinals have shown great interest in the experienced White Sox starter, Erick Fedde,” Nightengale wrote.

The Cardinals are looking to add new players to try and secure one of the NL Wild Card spots. Baseball Reference gives St. Louis a 22 percent chance of making the playoffs, which is the third-highest in the NL Central. Although they are several games above .500, they have a slightly lower chance of making the playoffs than the Reds, who are four games behind St. Louis.

The New York Yankees have shown serious interest in the top pitchers on the transfer market this season. Players like Garrett Crochet of the White Sox and Tarik Skubal of the Tigers were on their radar throughout July, but one problem stood in their way. The Yankees were unwilling to include their top prospect Spencer Jones in any of those deals.

That has now changed, allowing the Yankees to complete a huge blockbuster deal this month.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported:

“For the first time, the Yankees are willing to include top prospect Spencer Jones in a trade for White Sox star Garrett Crochet or Tigers Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal,” Nightengale wrote.

There is currently no signing of a deal between the Yankees and either team, but it at least opens the door to possibilities that were not there before.

Jones, 23, has struggled a bit this year, hitting just .237/.317/.403 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles and 18 stolen bases this season. The 6-6 outfielder is a real power threat at the plate while showing increasing speed.

A deal for Crochet or Skubal would have to involve more than just Jones, but the fact that the Yankees are willing to trade him is a good start.