Chicago Cubs fans have the feeling that this season may turn into the 2016 season all over again.
Chicago sits in first place in the NL Central, off to its best start since 2016, when the Cubs eventually won the World Series.
Despite the outstanding start, Chicago still has a few holes in its roster that will need to be addressed at the trade deadline. Team president Jed Hoyer has hinted that the Cubs will be focused on pitching help at the trade deadline.
If that is indeed the route Chicago’s front office takes, here are three potential trade deadline targets.
Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox
Chapman was a member of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series team and his addition to the backend of the bullpen would be more than welcome.
At 37 years old, Chapman’s 99.1 mph average fastball velocity ranks in the 98th percentile, making him still one of the game’s best late-inning relievers.
His 11 saves and 37 strikeouts across 27 1/3 innings pitched is eye-opening and he would give the Cubs a much-needed high velocity left-handed pitcher in the bullpen.
