Cubs Become MLB Trade Deadline Sellers, Seeking Mets Prospects

Let the Cubs clearance begin.

In a move that could have significant implications for the Mets, the Cubs elected to become sellers on the MLB trade deadline of July 30, The Athletic reported on Friday morning. According to the report, a Cubs scout was recently seen at a Mets Low-A affiliate game, further fueling business speculation between the two clubs.

The Mets were linked in the offseason to Kris Bryant, who even received a mysterious “Welcome to the Mets” text over the winter amid a slew of trade rumors. Bryant, a free agent at the end of the season, would add right-handed pop to a Mets offense that ranks second to last in all baseball points scored. Four-time All-Star, Bryant is hitting .268 with 16 homers and 43 RBIs this season, seeing time both at third base and in the outfield.

Bryant is far from the only Cub likely to generate significant interest ahead of the trade deadline. Out of the box, closest Craig Kimbrel rediscovered his All-Star form, posting a 0.57 ERA and recording 20 saves. Veteran Kyle Hendricks is a reliable innings eater in the rotation, with a 3.83 ERA.

Shortstop Javier Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, two cornerstones of the franchise, are also on expiring contracts, apparently prompting the franchise to attract plenty of prospects rather than just letting the pair walk as the free agents arrive in the offseason.

Chicago’s decision to sell follows an 11-game losing streak that saw the Cubs dip in the standings from first place to 9.5 games in just 15 days. They are only one game closer to the first place Brewers than the last place Pirates.

“We’ve been a believer in these guys since 2015,” Cubs president Jed Hoyer said Thursday ahead of Chicago’s 8-0 loss to the Phillies. “They were very successful and I would never rule them out. But 11 days ago we were certainly fully on the buy side of this transaction and everyone was calling about it. Obviously people are calling now to see what players are available, so it’s a very different scenario than we expected. Life comes to you quickly.