Are the Chicago Cubs gradually spiraling? It’s starting to look that way. Not that they are performing poorly, but it’s their outfield crisis that requires some attention. The biggest red flag? Their top prospect, Matt Shaw, despite showing promising signs during spring training, failed massively. With a mere average of .172 across his 58 at-bats in 18 games, Shaw’s struggles pulled him out of the job, transferring him to Triple-A. As the outfield problem casts a gloomy shadow on the team, an MLB analyst has made some surprising claims about how the Cubs might finally patch things up.
So, what’s really the problem?
Ever since Matt Shaw was sidelined by the Cubs, hoping that he would get back in form, the Cubs have had plenty of problems on hand. Their third base problem continues, as despite having players like Gage Workman, Justin Turner, Vidal Brujan, and Jon Berti, none of them have really been game-changers. That’s why MLB analyst Andrew Wright claimed the Cubs would get the Boston Red Sox’s $313.5 million star, Rafael Devers. Do you think that will work?
Hopes are high, and so are the expectations from the Cubs’ front office. Despite managing a two-game series sweep while facing the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, their prominent outfielder, Seiya Suzuki, was sidelined. Jon Morosi of MLB Network posted on his X handle, “Seiya Suzuki scratched from tonight’s lineup with right wrist soreness; Justin Turner is the DH.” Suzuki played a major role in the Cubs’ success in the 2025 season as he posted a .276/.354/.5400 slash line along with six home runs and 20 RBIs.
Since he is no longer there, third base has become a stopgap for many, but nobody has truly established themselves there. For this reason, Andrew Wright believed that teams ought to go above and beyond when it comes to serious talent like Rafael Devers. Or, in this case, whatever it takes to get him.
Ever since Alex Bregman came to Boston, Rafael Devers has lost his position at third base. Although Devers had always preferred to stay at third base, manager Alex Cora moved Devers to the designated hitter position and assigned Bregman to third base. Devers has been a great talent; however, his going 0-for-3 with only a walk and a single RBI during Wednesday’s 8-5 loss against the Seattle Mariners, his struggles once again came into the limelight. But that’s not all!
His batting struggles continued, as his average sits just at .202 with only two home runs across his 94 at-bats. Despite the fact that a player of his caliber can never be excluded, Devers appears to be growing impatient with his current circumstances. Thus, Wright feels that the Red Sox could trade him to the Cubs, where he could play alongside Kyle Tucker. If it happens, the duo could bat at second and third, and Devers might also get back to his well-deserved third base position, too.
And we all agree that it will be a great move, right?
Coming to the present scenario, nothing’s been official yet. However, the Chicago Cubs can look at some other options as well that may solve their outfield woes.
Chicago Cubs have some other options to fix their outfield woes
Andrew Wright has weighed in on some other options as well, who can be the perfect fit for the Cubs in a time of crisis. Wright sets the pathway for the Cubs, highlighting how the St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado has often been hovering in the market during the offseason. Well, it’s no surprise that the Cardinals are marred by on-field struggles—be it the number of missed opportunities or the performances of players—everything seems to be in disarray. With literally no chance of getting to the playoffs, Arenado might be in the market once again, in case he decides to waive his no-trade clause. But that’s not all!
The Chicago Cubs, according to Wright, might also target Colorado Rockies’ Ryan McMahon. The 30-year-old Rockies star has been poor in terms of batting, with a .195 average; however, he is currently leading the majors with 35 strikeouts. McMahon has a .313 on-base percentage, and with 13 walks, he might also be a good fit for the Cubs at the moment.
However, despite having all the options in hand, it would be better for the Cubs to get Rafael Devers on board. Pairing him with Kyle Tucker will be a treat to watch for the fans and a nightmare for every pitcher. Who do you think the Cubs can target to resolve their outfield struggles?
The post Cubs Must Target $313.5M Red Sox Star in Blockbuster Trade to Fix Glaring Outfield Crisis Claims MLB Analyst appeared first on EssentiallySports.
