Cubs Rumored Trade Deadline Target Avoids Injury Scare at All-Star Game

Rumors are going to be heating up regarding the Chicago Cubs and their trade deadline plans.

Jed Hoyer has made it clear the team will pursue pitching upgrades in both the starting rotation and bullpen, but there's a chance they also take a hard look at third basemen on the market.

The Cubs have gotten virtually nothing from that position in the first half.

Their wRC+ of 54 and minus-0.6 fWAR ranks last in both metrics across Major League Baseball.

While Matt Shaw still projects to be the future at the hot corner for Chicago, it's clear he's struggling to acclimate to this level in his rookie season.

More News: Cubs Star Prospect Increased Already High Value With Strong MLB Futures Game

Someone who has repeatedly been linked to the Cubs if they want to go after a third baseman is Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a player who is in the midst of another special season by entering the All-Star break with the fourth-most homers (31) and third-most RBI (78) in the sport.

It's not clear if the Diamondbacks are going to sell or not, but if they do, then he should be a target.

More News: Royals Star Pitcher Named Potential Fit for Cubs at Trade Deadline

However, Chicago -- and pretty much every team who is eyeing an upgrade at third base -- felt a sense of panic when Suarez was hit in the finger by a pitch during the All-Star Game.

Him getting hurt right now would have been the worst possible timing, and based on where he was hit, things could have gone wrong.