Inside The Cubs

Could Chicago Cubs Pursue Cardinals Star at Trade Deadline?

The Chicago Cubs need help at first base and the St. Louis Cardinals may be sellers. Could the two bitter rivals strike a deal at the MLB trade deadline?

Kade Kistner

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
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It's been a wild ride for the Chicago Cubs this season.

From a hot start to a cold spell and now a recent surge that has them two games under .500 and just three games out of the National League Central lead. . . it's been interesting.

This journey has created optimism, then calls for the club to be sellers and now they may be buyers?

Let's assume they are buyers, something that the ownership group says they want to do, who could they chase? 

One name that could be of intrigue is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. 

Yes, the Cardinals are bitter divisional rivals, but that may not preclude the two sides from reaching a deal. The price may just be higher. Add in the fact that there are less sellers at this year's MLB trade deadline. . . there may be little other options. 

As for the fit, Chicago is looking for a first baseman. Eric Hosmer wasn't the answer. Matt Mervis isn't quite ready. And Trey Mancini isn't a viable first baseman on a true contender. 

Goldschmidt, who is 35, will give his acquiring team two postseason runs. He isn't a rental. 

Despite his age, he is just as productive as ever and is the reigning National League MVP. He brings a level of experience with his age and postseason runs to help a very young Cubs team. 

He would also solidify what could be one of the best infields in all of baseball. 

Chicago has their rotation set, perhaps the most expensive and tricky part of the roster. The bullpen could use some work, but that is the easiest issue to solve. 

Adding Goldschmidt bolsters the lineup, adds power and plays an excellent first base defensively. 

If both sides can overcome their rivalry and dealing within the division, Goldschmidt could be the missing piece this season the Cubs are looking. Add in the fact he would be around next year when Chicago is seriously looking to make noise and the fit is a no-brainer. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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