The Chicago Cubs split the London Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, they've proven over a recent hot stretch they should be deadline buyers. Could they bring back any former players?
As nice as it would be to bring back some members of the Cubs Core 4 from their 2016 World Series team — such as Javy Baez or Kris Bryant, who can likely be had for the right price — it's unlikely given their current price tags financially. While the Ricketts family is finally willing to spend at the deadline, they don't want to invest in players they passed on for a reason.
In terms of a KB reunion, the Rockies front office hasn't given up on the star third baseman yet despite his injury woes. Even from Chicago's perspective, though, any number of things stand in the way:
"The 31-year-old played in 42 games in 2022 due to a back injury; this season, nagging injures again have limited him to just 50 games. In those 50 games, Bryant is slashing .263/.346/.374 with five home runs and 17 RBI, numbers that put his $182 million deal to shame. With Bryant in a late-career rut, would it be possible for the Cubs to bring him back in August?
No dice, not given the financials, anyway. Plus, the Cubs already have a potential Bryant replacement in utility player Christopher Morel. Sure, a Cubs-Bryant reunion may stir up that good ol' nostalgia, but in terms of Chicago's best course for the future, Bryant is a venerated relic and should stay that way," Kristen Wong wrote.
So, if not someone like Baez, Rizzo or Bryant, then who? There are plenty of former Cubs around baseball who could be brought back into the fold.
Former Cubs to trade for: Trevor Williams
Trevor Williams played in 13 games with Chicago in 2021. He started 12 of those matchups, and had an ERA over five. While that's not exactly inspiring for a potential reunion, Williams has turned into a much different, improved starter since then.
Williams had a 3.21 ERA with the Mets in 2022 in 30 appearances. In Washington this season, he has started all 15 of his appearances, and has a respectable 4.21 ERA. At this point in his career, he's a solid back-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Teams need those at the trade deadline, and Williams is likely to be dealt given the Washington Nationals current predicament in the NL East standings.
Trading for Williams won't bring with it the same buzz as, say, a KB, but he'd come cheaper and prove just as valuable.
Former Cubs to trade for: David Robertson
David Robertson is having one of the best years of his career. His team, the New York Mets, is in shambles. With that in mind, expect Robertson to be a more expensive trade target from a team that seems more destined to sell by the day.
Robertson played for the Chicago Cubs in 2022. He had a successful stretch, recording 14 saves and a 2.23 ERA. So far with the Mets, he's been even better, with a 1.64 ERA and 11 saves. Robertson wasn't brought in to be a closer in Queens — it was thought he would set the table for Edwin Diaz (perhaps with Timmy Trumpet playing in the background). However, the World Baseball Classic put an end to all that.
The veteran reliever was signed to a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason. He's a rental, and a damn good one. Despite the demand for bullpen help at the deadline, because Robertson is only available for one year, his price tag should be relatively low in comparison to pitchers with more years of control.
If the Cubs are to buy at the trade deadline, he is the exact type of low-risk move Jed Hoyer would like to make. Chicago feels they have most of their core in place, and would prefer to add the major players in the offseason, when they have more control. For an in-season improvement, Robertson is perfect.
Former Cubs to trade for: Aroldis Chapman
Without Aroldis Chapman, there's no guarantee the Chicago Cubs would have won the World Series in the first place. Chapman was a workhorse in the Chicago bullpen back when he could throw 103 MPH on a regular basis. While his velocity has gone down somewhat, his slider has greater command now than it did then, and he's added a changeup as well that he uses with some regularity.
Chapman still offers up a mid-to-high 90's fastball. For Chicago, it's unclear if he'd step directly into the closer's role, which might limit fans excitement in adding him given the Royals will likely demand some prospect capital in return.
Chapman signed a one-year prove-it deal this offseason, and it has paid off big time. Assuming he keeps this kind of production up, he will be eligible to sign another large, multi-year contract this offseason. But in the meantime, he can return to the north side and pick up right where he left off.
On the season, Chapman has a 2.73 ERA and two saves, primarily in a setup man role for the Royals. Kansas City's closer, Scott Barlow, will likely be the hotter commodity at the deadline. Jed Hoyer and Co. can swoop right in and add a familiar face while other contenders try to meet the Royals price tag for Barlow.
The Royals have been in all-out selling mode since mid-May. They're prepared for this. The Cubs, should they keep up their winning ways, are an ideal suitor in a relatively weak NL Central.