Chicago Cubs eye trade‑deadline moves as outfielder Kevin Alcantara tops trade list

The Chicago Cubs are evaluating options before the August 3 MLB trade deadline, seeking to bolster a pitching staff hampered by injuries to starters such as Cade Horton, Justin Steele and others. Prospect outfielder Kevin Alcantara, who has excelled at Triple‑A Iowa with a .273/.367/.569 slash line and 17 home runs, is identified by insiders as the player most likely to be dealt. His lack of major‑league options after the season makes him a flexible trade asset as the Cubs anticipate possible free‑agency departures of outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ.

Meanwhile, third‑baseman Alex Bregman, signed to a five‑year, $175 million contract, is under pressure to meet expectations ahead of the All‑Star break. Bregman has posted seven home runs, 35 RBIs and a .678 OPS, but his performance with runners in scoring position remains low. He is intensifying his preparation with batting‑cage work and video analysis, supported by the Cubs’ coaching staff, in hopes of translating his underlying metrics into consistent offensive production for a team still in playoff contention.