Monday morning Cubs thoughts: Trade deadline season is ramping up

Happy post-All-Star break Monday, everyone!

The Cubs took all three games in Philadelphia to kick off the second half, which means they’ve never lost after the All-Star break in the CHGO era. That’s unreal production from our little media company.

All jokes aside, this is going to be a week to remember on the North Side. After trading away most of the World Series core at the deadline in 2021, it’s looking like the Cubs will be doing much of the same over the next eight days. With only two home games against the Pirates between now and the deadline on Aug. 2, that means there might be only two more chances for fans to see some of these players in a Cubs uniform at Wrigley Field again. Maybe you’ve grown numb to trades after last season, and maybe you haven’t. Either way, fans should buckle up for what’s going to happen over the next few days.

I’ve got thoughts on that, of course, but this is going to start with one player who’s dominated trade talks since he reportedly hit the market. So without further ado, let’s get into it. Here’s the “trade deadline SZN” edition of my Monday morning Cubs thoughts.