If you’re paying any attention to the Cubs these days then you’ve probably heard something about the looming trade deadline as well as the swarm of Cubs names associated with it. The Cubs have been on an up-tick lately winning 12 of their last 16 games, but the reality is they will not make the Playoffs, and therefore, will begin selling-off their best players before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline – all an integral and confusing part of the big business of baseball. Here’s what you need to know about the MLB Trade Deadline and the impact it will have on the Cubs.
What You Need to Know:
- The MLB non-waiver trade deadline happens every July after the MLB All-Star Break. Teams that are in contention for the Playoffs must decide who and what they need in order to finish the season strong and make a run in the Playoffs. Teams that look like they will not be making the Playoffs put players that are not on waivers up on the trading block hoping to get the most value from the best players.
- Look for the Cubs to unload their two best pitchers, Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza in order to acquire several young pitching prospects from another team. Prospects are players that are in a team’s Triple-A club and are waiting for the call-up to the Major Leagues. The Cubs are willing to part with two of their best players because they realize that in order to rebuild and be a playoff contender in the next few years, they will need several strong young pitchers for pennies compared to what they are paying Dempster and Garza.
Matt Garza
- Allegedly, Dempster and Garza have many suitors including the Playoff bound Yankees. Teams that have been shopping include the Dodgers, Red Sox, Orioles, Angels, Braves and Indians.
Ryan Dempster
- Because there is no salary cap in baseball, unlike NBA and NHL, many smaller market teams cannot afford to keep their star players who demand bigger salaries each year, therefore, they trade them to other teams for younger prospects.
- Pitching is critical to win championships. Dempster is one of the best pitchers in baseball and will bring the Cubs the most value in a trade.
Your Take Away Piece: “As much as I’d hate to see Dempster and Garza go, it’s what the Cubs need to do to complete the rebuilding phase that Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have been meticulously doing since coming on board this off-season.”
What’s Next: The trade deadline is July 31st so expect some major movement within the Cubs dugout before then.
