As the 2025 MLB season hits its mid-point and the trade deadline looms, the Chicago Cubs find themselves at a critical crossroads. With a roster filled with both promising young talent and veteran pieces, the team’s coaching staff and front office are evaluating every player’s role and future with the organization. While some players are solidifying their spots as core contributors, others are slipping into expendable territory.
Sources close to the organization suggest that the Cubs’ coaching staff has already begun identifying players who may not survive the roster shakeup expected before the 2025 trade deadline. Though publicly, the team is staying tight-lipped about potential moves, behind closed doors, tough conversations are reportedly being had. Three players, in particular, are drawing scrutiny due to inconsistent performance, lack of fit, or simply being seen as valuable trade chips for a club that may pivot toward youth or bolster its rotation and bullpen depth.
1. Nick Madrigal – INF
Nick Madrigal has had a complicated tenure with the Cubs. Acquired with hopes of being a consistent contact hitter and a steady infield presence, Madrigal has struggled to find a long-term fit on the roster. While his glove has shown flashes of reliability at second and third base, his bat has not lived up to expectations. Through much of the 2025 season, he’s failed to produce extra-base hits or improve his on-base percentage meaningfully.
From a coaching standpoint, there’s concern over his ceiling. With prospects like Matt Shaw and James Triantos pushing for full-time roles, Madrigal may be the odd man out. His limited power and positional redundancy make him a prime candidate to be moved to a team seeking depth or a low-cost, high-contact bat. The Cubs are likely to prioritize players with more upside
