CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- After flipping the script on their 2023 season, the Cubs are now focused on buying for MLB’s Tuesday trade deadline with hopes of making a playoff push.
The Cubs acquired third baseman Jeimer Candelario and reliever Jose Cuas in a pair of trades Monday, and the front office made the decision to keep starter Marcus Stroman and outfielder Cody Bellinger. Both players can be free agents after the season and each would have brought back a strong prospect of two in return on the trade market.
Candelario, 29, is a rental enjoying a career-best season, hitting .258 with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs in 99 games this season. The Cubs dealt prospects DJ Herz and Steven Made to the Nationals.
“Putting up the numbers Candy has been putting up and coming over here now to help us is huge" Cubs manager David Ross said Monday night after the team’s 6-5 loss to the Reds. "He is a a great human being and the player he has been. He has been having a really great season, so we are happy to get him back."
Nearly an hour after the acquisition of Candelario, the Cubs traded for Cuas from the Royals. Outfielder Nelson Velazquez was sent back to Kansas City as part of the deal. The 29-year-old Cuas has 86 strikeouts in 79.1 innings pitched for the Royals since the beginning of 2022.
The Cubs’ two trades came 24 hours prior to MLB’s trade deadline, a clear declaration of the team’s intentions to win this season.
"I am excited to have him back and a part of this group,” Cubs left fielder Ian Happ said. “He will fit well right in the middle of our lineup."
The concentration on a switch-hitting bat to augment a glut of right-handed hitters the Cubs have at first and third made sense. The organization has reports on young players who are close to big league ready and could continue to add younger players as well as veterans. An example would be 23-year-old third baseman Addison Barger of the Blue Jays. At one point, Toronto was interested Stroman.
Barger was one of the top prospects that was evaluated for a possible trade. A left-handed power hitter, he put up 26 home runs and 91 RBI in Triple-A during 2022.
Bullpen pitchers from the non-contenders will still be on the Cubs wish list before 5 pm CT Tuesday evening.
The Cubs must get going again, losing the last two games after winning eight straight.
"Look, we didn't win today," Cubs catcher Yan Gomes said. "Sometimes it goes are way, sometimes it doesn't. But you can bet this team will battle to the last out."
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