4 Leadoff Hitters Cubs Should Target at Trade Deadline

The Cubs recently thought they had found their leadoff hitter in Kyle Schwarber, but his recent downturn in production atop the order has them looking for another option.

A .325 OBP isn't conducive to a strong offensive attack to open the game, and the Cubs could use some help jumping on opposing pitchers early. These four guys in particular would be perfect Cubs targets at the MLB trade deadline to solve their leadoff woes.

1. Whit Merrifield

Merrifield kills two birds with one stone. Not only is he a strong hitter that the Cubs could use, but he also is the utilityman they've been searching for since Ben Zobrist left the team. He can play both second base and the outfield, and he's slashing .309/.361/.500 as the leadoff man in Kansas City. Though the Royals' asking price is sky-high, he could be the perfect fit.

2. Eric Sogard

Sogard has had a breakout campaign for the Blue Jays this year. He boasts a .365 OBP and has hit to the tune of a 128 OPS+ while batting at the top of the order in Toronto. Like Merrifield, he can may multiple positions, but the key difference is that he'd cost significantly less to acquire. He, too, is a quality option that the Cubs should check in on.

3. Brandon Belt

Belt has taken over leadoff duties for the Giants in recent weeks and has performed admirably, posting a .382 OBP over the last 15 games, 11 of which were out of the top spot in the order. He's a quality hitter who can play the outfield, and the Giants are set up to be big sellers, so his name should be one to keep an eye on.

4. Jonathan Villar

Villar has posted a .327 OBP this year, marginally better than Schwarber, but the separating factor between them is speed. Villar poses much more of a threat to steal and possibly score when he's out on the basepaths than Schwarber does, and his wheels could change the complexion of how the Cubs approach their games.