The Cubs have a sorry .290 on-base percentage from their leadoff men this season, and it's an issue the front office wants to fix as the playoff race heats up. The Cubs and Cardinals are tied for the NL Central lead and open up a three-game series against each other in St. Louis on Tuesday evening.
Here are four candidates who could be answers for the Cubs' woes at the leadoff spot:
Peralta isn't a classic leadoff man, but he has a .346 on-base percentage this season and a .347 mark for his career. He's a solid outfielder and would likely play right field with the Cubs moving Jason Heyward to center field should Chicago acquire him. The lefty-swinging Peralta has some pop, having hit 30 homers in 2018. He's making $7 million this season and is under team control through 2020.
Dyson has primarily been a speedy reserve through most of his career. He leads the National League with 24 stolen bases and would be a short-term rental, as he's set to be a free agent after the season. Dyson has a .336 on-base percentage, which is 14 points higher than his career .322 clip. Speed is an asset the Cubs could desperately use down the stretch.
The Cubs don't have enough to acquire Orioles first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini, so their discussions have centered around the 28-year-old Villar, who has primarily played second base this season. Villar is hitting .263 with 13 homers, 47 RBIs, a .747 OPS and .327 on-base percentage in 106 games. He also has 22 steals. The downside is he's strikeout-prone, with 111 on the season. He's making $4.83 million this season and is under control control through 2020.
Jon was an important part of the 2017 Cubs, for whom he posted a .374 on-base percentage and served as a part-time leadoff man. He was well respected by teammates and a positive clubhouse influence. Jay doesn't do anything at a high level but is a solid player who works counts well and has a .354 on-base percentage this season and a .352 clip for his career. He's set to be a free agent at season's end and wouldn't cost the Cubs much.