Report: At the MLB trade deadline, Chicago Cubs made a major statement by acquiring, an All-Star bat, from the Tampa Bay Rays.
At the MLB trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs made a major statement by acquiring Isaac Paredes, an All-Star bat, from the Tampa Bay Rays. Chicago did, however, attempt to acquire another young, promising MLB player, according to recent Cubs rumors.
Since none of the Cubs’ top prospects were really lost in the Paredes trade, the front office was still able to search for another reliable daily player. Most of the players Chicago was associated with were on teams that announced a fire sale this past summer.
Undoubtedly, there were a lot of needs to be met. The Cubs’ lineup has been among the weakest in the National League this year, which is why the team looked into different bats and traded for Paredes. It’s hardly shocking that Chicago looked at some of the best trade prospects, but they also made an effort to sign a guy who was very much on their radar.
The Cubs’ front staff “aggressively pursued” a trade for Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe this summer, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Chicago prioritized the Angels’ backstop and made many attempts to sign him, but Los Angeles kept turning the team down.
It should come as no surprise that Chicago sought a long-term catcher answer. This squad has struggled with it ever since Willson Contreras left. O’Hoppe is probably one of the most fascinating choices in the league for a team looking for long-term stability at the position while also wanting to win now.
Having said that, Los Angeles was never inclined to relocate O’Hoppe. Not only will he not be eligible for arbitration until 2026, but he is only 24 years old. The 6-foot-2 catcher not only has above-average hitting ability, but he also plays a passable defense.
This winter, the Cubs may give it another go at him, but the Angels’ response is probably going to be the same. Chicago will be forced to look into other choices as a result, and there ought to be plenty available through trade and MLB free agency. In addition, bringing in a catcher in the off-season will allow him to work with the pitching staff during spring training, preparing him for Opening Day in 2025.
