Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Chicago Cubs' current catching options and why do they need help?
The Cubs currently have Miguel Amaya and Tomas Nido as their catchers, who are described as a black hole in the lineup and simply not cutting it. Their only other option is minor-league prospect Moises Ballesteros, who recently debuted in Triple-A and might not be ready for the majors yet.
What kind of season is Danny Jansen having with the Blue Jays?
The 24-year-old catcher is hitting .223 with six home runs and has an OPS of .707 this season. He's worth 1.2 WAR and provides strong impact both at the plate and behind it defensively.
Where do the Cubs stand in the playoff race right now?
The Cubs are 4 games under .500 but have won six of their last nine games heading into the All-Star break. They currently sit 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and appear to be gaining momentum.
Will the Cubs be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?
It's unclear what approach the Cubs will take, as they're at a crossroads with their season. Recent rumors had them potentially trading away players like Jameson Taillon or Cody Bellinger, but their recent hot streak has them possibly considering pushing for a playoff spot instead.
What's the main concern about trading for Danny Jansen?
While Jansen would be a major upgrade at catcher, he will be a free agent in just 3 months. The question is whether it's worth giving up prospect capital for a rental player when the team's trade deadline philosophy remains unclear.