Cubs Are Decidedly On The Sellers Side Of Trade Deadline

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer had plans to buy during this year's trade deadline -- that is, until they went on an 11-game losing streak. Now the Cubs are being transparent about their change in plans to sell.

"Eleven days ago, we were certainly fully on the buying side," Hoyer said. "Obviously teams are now calling to see which players are available. So it's a very different scenario than we'd expected. Life comes at you fast."

This is probably a blessing in disguise

Roster wise, the Cubs were somewhat outplaying their talent early on. That said, I believe some of their success was a bit of fool's gold, and this losing streak may actually help the team long term. The worst thing an aging roster can do is force the front office to play them until the wheels fall off. The Cubbies can use this skid as a bit of a wake up call.

We saw that materialize in Philadelphia during the mid-2010s when players stuck around long after their production years, and now thankfully the Cubs got a real look at their team through a two-week losing streak.

Should be no surprise that teams are calling Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, and likely All-Star catcher Wilson Contreras. Chicago has some real pieces who can help a contender, and it remains to be seen how aggressive Jed Hoyer will be on his asking prices. If last year's dealing of future Hall of Famer Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals for free is any indication, Cubs fans should duck for cover.

It always sucks to lose, but maybe Chicago deals their way into some top prospects to build a winner in the near future? It's time for Jed Hoyer to get to work.