Cubs receive welcome projection on lone strength amid disappointing season

The Chicago Cubs are heading towards the 2026 MLB trade deadline with some absolutely dire needs at a few spots on the roster.

While the offense really could use a boost, the pitching staff, but in the bullpen and especially the rotation, needs some help as well.

However, as ESPN's David Schoenfield projected, the Cubs' elite defense, the lone thing this team is great at, is something that shouldn't go away anytime soon.

Cubs elite defense receives welcome projection from ESPN analyst

"Biggest strength: Defense. Will it continue? The defense? Yes. That has helped cover for what has been a shaky pitching staff at times," Schoenfield writes.

While the Cubs might have some massive issues to address with their starting rotation and their bullpen amid the Daniel Palencia injury, their defense shouldn't take a hit.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of the best, if not the best, defenders in all of MLB out in center field. Nico Hoerner, despite his offensive struggles, is still playing an elite second base.

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Dansby Swanson is also one of the best defenders in all of MLB, which has helped make up, somewhat, for his terrible offense this season.

While the Cubs will need better pitching and hitting to make the postseason and advance in this year's playoffs, the team shouldn't have any question about the quality of their defense up the middle at shortstop, second base, and in center field.

Schoenfield did point to issues with the offense and the pitching staff, which can be resolved at the MLB trade deadline on August 3. But the Cubs should be conscious about keeping their elite defense together, as that could be an x-factor come the postseason.

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• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames
• Twins' Byron Buxton trade update is bad news for Phillies, Braves