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Cubs Monitoring Diamondbacks 39 HR Slugger Ahead of Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are preparing to consider every avenue to strengthen their roster before the trade deadline. Jed Hoyer, Chicago’s president of baseball operations, already admitted to looking to add another starting pitcher, with Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara and Pirates’ All-Star Mitch Keller being their top targets. However, the need for another front-line starter should not preclude the team from keeping a close eye on the offensive market.

With Hoyer in the final year of his contract and a history of being aggressive at the deadline, the Cubs' 49-35 record and two-game lead in the NL Central is a call to action. Although the club does not need a blockbuster deal to shake things up, incrementally improving the team for a second-half playoff push and eventual appearance should be the goal.

One position that deserves an intense examination is third base, according to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney.

“The win-now mode puts Matt Shaw under the microscope at third base, where his defense has been spectacular and his offensive production has been lacking,” Mooney wrote. “Looking ahead to potential October matchups, it would make sense to add another right-handed hitter to pair with first baseman Michael Busch. Justin Turner’s postseason experience brings a lot of intangible value, but he’s 40 years old, and he hasn’t gotten into an offensive rhythm as a Cub yet.”

Mooney goes on to list Arizona Diamondbacks’ slugger Eugenio Suarez as a name to monitor closer to the trade deadline.

Suarez, 33, is hitting .257/.325/.564 with 25 home runs and 68 RBI this season. The former All-Star is in the final year of his current contract, affording the Cubs an all-in 2025 season without the long-term risk of blocking Shaw's development at the hot corner. Arizona may be reluctant to sell only five games out of a Wild Card spot, but if they plummet in the coming weeks, all bets are off.

As Hoyer steps into the final deadline day of his current contract, swinging a trade for Suarez could be enough to push the Cubs back to the playoffs and even elongate his stay in Chicago.

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

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