As Philadelphia searches for outfield depth, Bob Nightengale reports the club is monitoring Seiya Suzuki. However, a potential deal hinges on Chicago’s postseason positioning and Suzuki's no-trade clause.
The Chicago Cubs could be really active at this year’s trade deadline.
If the Cubs are within striking distance in the National League Central standings by the August 3rd trade deadline, the front office would likely look to acquire multiple pitchers to help improve the team for the stretch run.
That’s if they remain buyers at this year’s trade deadline.
There’s no guarantee that the Cubs will be buyers this summer. They are currently 6 ½ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central division and have been struggling as a team for most of the last month.
There’s a serious chance the North Siders sell some of their players on expiring contracts instead of being buyers. It will all depend on how the Cubs play over the next six weeks.
If Chicago continues to drop in the NL Central standings, players like Seiya Suzuki could be a prime target for several contenders.
And it appears one team is already keeping tabs on Suzuki.
MLB Bob Nightengale reported on Sunday that the Philadelphia Phillies are keeping the Cubs outfielder on “their radar.” The Phillies are said to be looking for an outfielder at the trade deadline, and Suzuki is one of the several that Philadelphia is currently eyeing.
Now, there is a lot that has to happen for the Cubs to actually trade Suzuki by the August 3rd trade deadline.
For starters, Suzuki would have to waive his full no-trade clause in order for a trade to happen. Suzuki can not be traded without his permission, so the Japanese slugger would need to be on board with a trade to Philadelphia.
Additionally, the Cubs might not even be looking to trade Suzuki at the deadline. They are tied for the final Wild Card spot in the National League and could ride it out with their current group.
The only way the front office would trade Suzuki away is if they really fall down the Wild Card standings or get an offer they can’t refuse. But if the Cubs are within a few games of first place in the NL Central or for the final Wild Card spot, it’s hard to imagine Chicago getting rid of their outfielder.
Suzuki is slashing .255/.339/.433 with 10 home runs, seven doubles, and 28 RBI across 57 games this season. He has also been heating up at the plate recently, with a .344 batting average, three home runs, four doubles, and nine RBI over his last 10 games.
The Cubs likely wouldn’t get rid of Suzuki unless they go on a fire sale at this year’s trade deadline. However, that remains unlikely.
