The Cubs head into the MLB trade deadline with assets that can be traded

John Heyman

MLB

as if John Heyman

July 20, 2023 | 7:40 p.m

Baseball people expect the Cubs to sell at the trade deadline. Even though they have the best run differential in the NL Central, they are a real loser.

The Cubs also see one of their best trades, possibly their best starter (Marcus Stroman) and best outfielder (Cody Bellinger).

The belief is baseball’s unlucky Padres are still dominant, barring a slump.

The White Sox are mostly talking about trading free agents – meaning Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, etc. Because Lance Lynn has an $18 million team option, it’s not even certain he’ll be passed over.

Tim Anderson may have trade value despite a rotten year. “It’s still Tim Anderson,” said one rival.

While they are getting a lot of hits on Ace Dylan Cease, they have little interest in talking to him or Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jimenez or Andrew Vaughn. With Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidi and Lance McCullers looking for a starter, the Astros see Stroman as their best true option – along with Jordan Montgomery, Giolito and Eduardo Rodriguez.

The belief is the Cardinals won’t trade Nolan Arenado unless they ask for it (no sign of that), and Jack Flaherty is probably more likely to be dealt than Montgomery because he’s confident he’ll get a qualifying offer.

There are plenty of teams that need starters more than starters (at least the Dodgers, Rangers, Reds, Astros, Phillies, Giants, Orioles, Rays, Red Sox, Diamondbacks).

If the Angels are traded, Hunter Renfro and Matt Moore will also be prominent.