The Chicago Cubs might now view themselves as sellers on the trade market as the July 30 deadline approaches, according to a new report.
It's a tough pill to swallow for Cubs fans, since looking to sell this time of year -- rather than buy -- inevitably goes hand in hand with a surrendering of contention hopes.
Chicago, 37-44 and in last place in the National League Central entering Thursday, can still miraculously save its season if it goes on a run starting immediately.
On the other hand, some people are effectively closing the door on the Cubs' season.
In a report released on Thursday for The Athletic, Aaron Gleeman and Eno Sarris positioned Chicago as active sellers on the trade market, listing four Cubs on their list of "hitters, starters and relievers who could be available."
Third baseman Patrick Wisdom was listed as No. 7 out of eighteen role players likely to be available.
Starter Kyle Hendricks was ranked No. 9 out of twelve mid-rotation starters likely to be available.
Relievers Héctor Neris and Drew Smyly were listed as No. 8 and No. 11, respectively, on the "relief flyers" list.
If Chicago's president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer were to genuinely place this much pitching on the trading block, as Gleeman and Sarris suggest, Hoyer would effectively be giving up on this season in an attempt to enhance the Cubs' future.
With both Chicago's bullpen and staff growing thin, it's unlikely Hoyer would be interested in dealing Hendricks if he felt that the Cubs could still fight for a Wild Card spot.
Hoyer's strategy will become clear soon enough, as the deadline is less than five weeks away.
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