Trade Deadline Watch: Two infielders linked with Cubs

Jesse Johnson - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese · Senior Writer · 7 hours ago

Let the fun and games begin. Not even 12 hours after the completion of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, our first trade deadline trade went through, and although it was not a massive one, it could be the first domino to fall. In case you missed it, Adam Frazier is on the move as he was traded from the Pirates to the Royals.

It's not a great situation for him, as he transitions from one non-playoff team to another non-playoff team, but the Royals are in a much better position than the Pirates. That move has to have you thinking, what types of under-the-radar moves could the Cubs be looking at should they not land a big fish?

Without question, third base is the most significant area of need on this team, especially when you look at the offensive struggles for Matt Shaw. Sure, he has played Gold Glove defense, but hitting .199 this late in the season isn't going to cut it, and the Cubs know they need to upgrade at that position.

Adding Eugenio Suarez would not only upgrade the third base position, but it would also address the Cubs' inability to hit left-handed starters, which is another area they need to improve. However, the longer Arizona stays in the race, the harder it will be for the Cubs or anyone else to trade for Suarez, and that is something the Cubs will have to consider. Should they not be able to trade for Suarez, two other options remain as a pair of utility infielders could be on the Cubs' radar as the third base solutions for the remainder of the season.

Perhaps the most notable name has been one mentioned in connection with the Cubs for several weeks: Minnesota Twins utility man Willi Castro. Playing more outfield these days with the Twins, Castro is more than capable of holding down the hot corner and could become the Cubs' starting third baseman the rest of the way.

The 28-year-old switch-hitter has been a valuable piece to the Twins' puzzle the past few seasons and is once again having a solid year. As of the All-Star break, Castro is hitting .265 with nine homers and eight stolen bases. Although those may not be the power numbers you look for in a third baseman, it's a massive improvement for what the Cubs have seen thus far.

You also have to look at his 10% walk rate and 14.5% strikeout rate, as Castro is one of those guys who not only puts the ball in play but also knows how to work counts to get on base. Adding him to this Cubs lineup gives them another threat to get on base to help set things up for the big boppers in the lineup.

Maikel Garcia is another third baseman who is starting to emerge, and he is suddenly becoming a legitimate option for the Cubs. Garcia has had an underrated career and has started to come into his own with the Royals over the past few seasons. Given the Royals' struggles this season, the Cubs will have an opportunity to see him firsthand out of the break, as they will have plenty of time to do their homework on him.

Unlike Castro, who has been a proven veteran since the day he stepped onto the field, Garcia is a 25-year-old who is just starting to find his niche in the league. Not to mention, he is under team control through the 2029 season, so adding him is more of a long-term move than a short-term rental. That could ultimately play a factor in what the future holds for Shaw with this organization, but the Cubs would cross that bridge when it comes.

Similar to Castro with eight homers, Garcia is hitting much better overall, as the .297 batting average would indicate. He has also been a threat on the bases with 18 steals, all while holding down an 8% walk rate and 13.5% strikeout rate. The walk rate is slightly below average, but the strikeout rate is well below average, as he is starting to display some excellent contact skills.

Neither of these would be massive additions for this team, but they would improve the Cubs in the most significant area of need for the time being. What they do beyond that point is where things will matter, as the Cubs have some difficult decisions to make beyond this season. Regardless, it should be an exciting next two weeks leading up to what is hopefully a great second half, as this team is positioned to make a deep run.