The Chicago Cubs are in a very tough situation ahead of the trade deadline on July 30. Chicago currently sits fourth in the NL Central with a 47-49 record. Additionally, they trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 8.5 games, so things aren’t looking well for David Ross’ club. As a result, it’s likely the Cubs do trade some of their best players to acquire top prospects. With a record under .500 and Chicago just 5-5 in their last 10 games, it makes sense for them to get rid of some of their star players. Which Cubs players will be traded at the deadline?

If the Northsiders don’t feel as if they have a good shot at re-signing these players, the smart thing to do would be to trade them. The Cubs would acquire younger players and build their farm system. Chicago’s  farm system is ranked 22nd in the league, according to mlb.com.

Look for the Chicago Cubs to be sellers at the trade deadline trying to build their franchise for the future. As a result, here are two players that are most likely to be traded by July 30.

1. Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant is one of the hottest names on the market at the trade deadline. The former NL MVP is likely drawing interest from plenty of teams around the league. Additionally, Bryant is “as good as gone,” according to reports.

Consequently, it appears that the Cubs’ third baseman will be traded in the coming days. Bryant was selected to his fourth All-Star appearance this season and is hitting .264 with 16 home runs and 48 RBIs. Plenty of teams could use the former rookie of the year as he can play both the infield and the outfield.

One team that has been connected to Bryant is the New York Mets. The Mets who are first in the NL East are likely trying to make a strong push for a World Series run. As a result, trading for Chicago’s third baseman makes a lot of sense.

On the other side, if the Cubs do decide to trade him, they must get enough for the former MVP. The Northsiders should be able to acquire two or three of a team’s top 10 prospects. Trading away Bryant could make many fans sad. However, if he isn’t going to re-sign with the team next season, this could be a solid move.

2. Craig Kimbrel

The final Cubs’ player that could be dealt is closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel is having one of the best seasons that he has ever had in the majors. He currently has an ERA of just 0.51 with 22 saves in 37 appearances. Additionally, the former rookie of the year made his eight All-star appearance in 2021.

Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Chicago Cubs (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Kimbrel is simply one of the best closing pitchers in the game right now. Furthermore, he is one of the most reliable with 22 saves which ranks third in the major league. Teams that need bullpen pitchers will pounce at the opportunity to acquire such a talent like Kimbrel.

Two teams that could use him are the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies. These clubs have had a difficult time closing out games. Toronto’s bullpen ranks 26th in saves (16) and 13th in bullpen ERA (4.09). On the other side, Philadelphia ranks 18th in saves (22) and 22nd in bullpen ERA (4.66).

The Phillies’ former closer Hector Neris has blown six save opportunities. Also, two other pitchers (Connor Brogdon & Sam Coonrod) on the team have both blown three saves a piece. There’s no doubt that Philadephia needs help in the bullpen and Kimbrel could be the perfect solution.

The Northsiders could get plenty of prospects for the former San Diego Padre. He is an elite pitcher who has great break on his curve and hits 99 mph on his fastball. For any deal involving Kimbrel, the Cubs should acquire at least one or even two top 10 prospect on any team. That’s how solid the 33-year-old right hander has been in 2021.

Image Courtesy of Getty Images

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