Cubs’ $85 Million Slugger Emerges as Potential Trade Candidate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jun 11, 2026 11:47 AM ET

It's been an up-and-down season for the Chicago Cubs. They're currently on a three-game losing streak, looking to avoid a sweep against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. At 34-34, they're in fourth place in the National League Central and 1.5 games back from a wild-card spot.

Despite being eight games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers , their postseason hopes are far from dead, but it's become clear that the roster has several holes. One of the most glaring is the pitching staff. To help fix that, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal suggests the Cubs entertain trade offers for right fielder Seiya Suzuki.

Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27).Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

“Perhaps Suzuki could bring back a starting pitcher who also is a potential free agent, helping the club fill a more dire need," Rosenthal wrote.

Through 68 games this season, Chicago's starting pitchers rank 15th in innings pitched (349), 16th in hits allowed (326), 28th in earned runs allowed (189), 28th in ERA (4.88) and tied for 15th in opponent batting average (.245).

“The Cubs could use a jolt," Rosenthal continued. "They need to extract value from at least one of their potential free agents. And in a sport increasingly lacking in potent right-handed hitters, Suzuki figures to be in demand.”

Suzuki has been solid this season. Appearing in 54 games, he's accumulated 198 at-bats, 29 runs scored, 49 hits, nine home runs and 22 RBIs. The 31-year-old is also slashing .247/.333/.409 for a .742 OPS.

He is also playing in the final season of a five-year, $85 million contract. With the trade deadline less than two months away on Aug. 3, Suzuki's time with Chicago could be coming to an end a bit early.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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