For the first time in over a decade, the Cubs will be buyers as the July 31 trade deadline looms.
The Cubs (25-22) currently sit in a tie for second in the tough NL Central, six games behind the Cardinals. It seems new manager Joe Maddon and an influx of young talent has struck a cord with fans all over the Windy City, and they'd like to see their team win now.
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There are always plenty of "rent-a-players" available for the second half of the season as struggling teams look to get something for impending veteran free agents. This year, it's the Athletics (19-33) struggling and the Cubs looking to capitalize (the A's traded Addison Russell to the Cubs for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel in 2014) and lure utility man Ben Zobrist, 34, away from Oakland.
Zobrist played for Maddon in Tampa Bay, and enjoyed his best seasons under the unorthodox manager. According to the Chicago Sun-Times , the Cubs believe Zobrist would be able to help them out in a multitude of positions and provide veteran leadership to a group of talented youngsters.
Zobrist missed a chunk of the season with a knee injury, but has a .242/.301/.394 slash line with one home run and 10 RBIs in 66 at-bats this season.