(670 The Score) It has become clear that in the next few weeks, the Cubs will need to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline on July 30. As they head toward that path, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer will have to seriously contemplate trading some of the most iconic Cubs in the franchise’s history.
Such is the case when you’re riding an excruciating 10-game losing streak like the Cubs are and have dropped below .500 at 42-43. Infielder/outfielder Kris Bryant, shortstop Javier Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo are all set to be free agents at season’s end, and the group is coming to understand its time together could soon be over as the trade deadline looms July 30.
"The situation we are in is not fun, and losing sucks,” said Rizzo, the longest-tenured Cub. "We just have to come in and play every day. From now until the trading deadline, (the media) is going to ask every day about it and rightfully so. There will be rumors flying and stories written. It's on all the players in the clubhouse to stay connected, stay together and take it day by day.”
The Cubs’ slide has dropped them 8.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers. The trade rumors have already begun, and it figures to simply be a case of what deals will actually be executed.
“Yes, there will be stuff flying, but we are all professionals and know how to prepare and just play baseball,” Rizzo said.
It’s not just star closer Craig Kimbrel and the Cubs’ free agents-to-be who could be pursued by rival executives. Contending clubs figure to check on the availability of right-hander Kyle Hendricks (under contract through 2023) and catcher Willson Contreras (under contract through 2022), though the Cubs won’t be anxious to trade either.
The Cubs still have some leverage in trade discussions. They can offer their high-profile free agents a one-year qualifying offer for the 2022 season at around $19 million. If the player declines that, the Cubs will receive a draft pick as compensation from the team that signs the player.
"This thing has been going on for three years,” Bryant said recently of trade speculation. “There is no sense in me thinking about it now. I thought about it three years ago. Whatever happens, happens, I keep saying.”
Like fans, Cubs players have had a difficult time digesting how quickly their season has fallen apart.
"I don't know what to say about this trade deadline,” Baez said after the Cubs’ 13-3 loss to the Phillies on Monday. “I am really not paying attention to it.
If something happens, it will be a surprise to me. I am focused on staying healthy and doing what I can to help the team.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.