3 Biggest Trade Deadline Questions for Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in baseball after a rocky first couple of weeks of the season. This team has the talent to win big in October, but the mighty front office will need to tinker with this club before the deadline to threaten the Dodgers and the other powers in the National League. So, here are three of the biggest trade deadline question for the Cubs.

3. Do they Release Addison Russell and Add an Infielder?

When do the Chicago Cubs get fed up with the black cloud surrounding the club known as Addison Russell? He may still have the talent to be a big-league starter, but Javier Baez has taken over at shortstop and Russell is only hitting .226 off the bench in the early going since coming off his suspension. He won't be productive if he doesn't play every game, and it might be best for both parties to part ways, especially the Cubs who are trying to contend for the World Series.

2. Should They Add an Outfield Bat?

Chicago's outfield trio of Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. has been solid, but none of them have broken out offensively. Not one of those players has an OPS over .800. That needs to change and for the Cubs to have an offensive threat in the outfield, they need to consider mixing this group up and add a bat.

1. Will they Fix the Bullpen and Add Multiple Arms?

Not only do the Cubs need to acquire a closer, but they could use an additional reliever for this bullpen. They won't go far if Steve Cishek or Pedro Strop are closing games in the ninth, and at this point they can't rely on Carl Edwards Jr. to come back up and be a force late in games. Craig Kimbrel would be a nice addition, but they don't have the payroll flexibility to make that happen, so they'll need to venture on the trade market to fill this need. Ken Giles is one name linked to them, but Shane Greene and Will Smith would be good closer options on the trade market as well.