DEAL IN FINAL STAGES: Chicago Cubs Have Reportedly Agreed a Second Blockbuster Trade For Another All Star After Acquiring Isaac Paredes From Rays

Rumours around the Chicago Cubs prior to the MLB trade deadline stated that the team would be selling this summer. Instead, Chicago made one of the most stunning MLB moves this season, obtaining All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. According to reports, it may not be the Cubs’ only major acquisition.

Entering today’s MLB games, Chicago is 5 games behind the National League’s last Wild Card place. The Cubs have been one of the worst MLB teams since May 1, but there have been some indications of recovery recently. With a winning record in July (12-10), Chicago appears to be willing to make upgrades to its major league team at the MLB trade deadline.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs are among many teams interested in San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell. The All-Star and Cy Young Award winner is reported to be available, and while it is uncertain whether he will be dealt at the MLB trade deadline, Chicago is interested in him.

Blake Snell numbers (FanGraphs): 5.10 ERA, 11.52 K/9, 3.97 BB/9, 30% K-rate,.221 batting average allowed, 1.28 WHIP, 47.2 innings pitched.
The contract Snell is now under complicates any potential trade. He’s owed less than half of his remaining salary ($23.5 million this season), and the Cubs’ payroll is already expensive for a team that’s out of the playoff race. The mystery of whether he’ll exercise his $38.5 million player option this offseason adds to the challenge.

Blake Snell’s contract (Spotrac): $23.5 million salary in 2024, $38.5 million club option in 2025.
Chicago is not in a position to increase its payroll much, particularly by approximately $40 million in 2025. However, MLB rumours indicate that Snell will likely opt out of the last year to test MLB free agency again. If this is accurate, the Cubs would be taking a significant risk by trading for Snell and missing the playoffs.

Ultimately, it is likely that the Paredes trade is an aberration, and the Cubs will mostly focus on becoming sellers at the MLB trade deadline. It’s also plausible that San Francisco released Chicago as an interested team to assist raise the price for other teams.