Two Trade Candidates to Address Horrific Production from Cubs' Bench Unit

[Andrew Wright]

Image courtesy of © Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs fans have seen some painfully brief highs and maddening lows over the last half-decade, but right now, it looks like their team is headed back to the postseason, for the first time since they still had the core of the 2016 World Series-winning team.

There is, however, one constant and underlying problem on the roster: the production (or lack thereof) from the Cubs bench. The four usual bench suspects on any given day for Chicago are Justin Turner, Vidal Bruján, Jon Berti and Reese McGuire. Turner alternates with Michael Busch at first base depending on pitching matchups, and McGuire starts as much as you'd expect a backup backstop to, but the other two players mentioned are almost glued to the bench—and, unfortunately, with good reason. So far this season, those four have combined for just 12 extra-base hits. The highest batting average in the set is McGuire's .267, in just 30 at-bats. Quite frankly, that production isn't going to be enough to get the Cubs over the hump when the everyday guys are needing a day off. Additions to the bench will need to be made.

We can start with Turner, as he is probably the most unlikely person to be moved at any point during the year. The locker room and leadership value he delivers will keep Turner around the clubhouse for the entire season. He can also give the occasional good pinch-hit plate appearance or a start against left-handers, taking some stress off Busch. He also gave us one of the most hilarious moments of the season on Thursday, an illustration of the (er) bounce he brings to the dugout.

McGuire will likely be waived when Miguel Amaya is ready to return from his oblique injury, since he can't be optioned to the minors. Based on that, one could assume that the other two regular bench members will depart at some point during the season, and there are several routes the Cubs could go in replacing them. Chicago could explore the free-agent market, the minor leagues or (the most likely scenario) the trade market. If they go the route of the trade market, here are two players who could be on the Cubs' bench at the end of the season.

Mike Tauchman, OF
Chicago needs a reliable backup outfield option in case of injuries, and Tauchman would be a good fit in that role. He did that for the Cubs over the past two seasons, and it feels safe to assume that he would be okay doing it again for a World Series-contending team. He's hitting .274 with four home runs and an .898 OPS this season for the White Sox, making himself a nice trade piece. The two Chicago teams are plenty used to making trades, and another this season would warm the hearts of fans of the "Summer of Tauchman."

Otto Lopez, 3B
Lopez has been a pleasant surprise for a struggling Miami Marlins team this season, and has made himself a very nice trade piece if Miami decides to move him. Lopez has a .237 average and more extra-base hits (seven doubles, six home runs) than the Cubs bench regulars put together. He could be an excellent backup to Matt Shaw at third base. Lopez has another quality that fits in with Chicago's roster, too: his speed. He is 7-for-10 in stolen base attempts this season and could be an excellent late-inning pinch-runner for some of the slower players on the Cubs roster.

While the bench production won't make or break the season, it could certainly play a pivotal role in a deep postseason run, for a Chicago organization that hasn't been to the Fall Classic since 2016.

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