Cubs-Diamondbacks trade idea sends former All-Star slugger to Chicago

The Chicago Cubs showed signs of struggle in June and need to start stringing some wins together, especially against the good teams.

Even though they struggled and it was the worst month of the season, Chicago went 13-13. Their lead in the division diminished from six-and-a-half to just two games.

At 49-35, the Cubs have a two-game lead over the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.

The offense has been one of the best in baseball, ranking top 10 in most categories, but cooled off over the past several weeks.

The main priority for the Cubs at the trade deadline is starting pitching, but adding an All-Star slugging third baseman to the middle of the lineup could be another priority.

Christopher Kline of FanSided ranked three rumored Cubs trade targets not named Ke’Bryan Hayes and a former NL Central foe took the top spot.

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Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez is in the final year of his contract and would be a home run for the Cubs.

Speaking of home runs, Suárez has hit a lot of them against the Cubs in his career. He is the active leader by a wide margin with 36.

Suárez, 33, is having another excellent power-hitting season with Arizona. The 2018 All-Star has 25 home runs and 68 RBI while slashing .257/.325/.564 in 81 games.

Suárez has a lot of experience hitting at Wrigley Field and would be a drastic upgrade offensively over rookie Matt Shaw.

“PCA and Tucker have already infused the Cubs offense with more pop. Suárez takes it up a notch in the cleanup hole,” wrote Kline. “He strikes out a lot, he doesn't draw many walks and he's a subpar defender. But he's also just a special hitter who can change games with a single swing at a moment's notice.”

Bringing Suárez to Chicago would instantly boost their odds at a division title and a deep playoff run.

More MLB: Reds named potential landing spot for All-Star slugging first baseman