The Chicago Cubs have a glaring hole at first base, but their options are limited with just over a month to go before pitchers and catchers report.
Pete Alonso is still an option for the Cubs, but the likelihood of him leaving the New York Mets isn't very high. This pushes the Cubs into the trade market for a first baseman.
Their ideal match for a first baseman could very well come from their crosstown rival.
Andrew Vaughn hit .246 with 19 home runs and 70 RBI in 2024 with the Chicago White Sox. It was a slight decline from his numbers a season before, but the White Sox were historically bad in 2024.
Vaughn brings a steady bat at first base, but the advanced metrics aren't kind to him defensively.
Here is what a potential trade could look like:
- Chicago Cubs acquire: 1B Andrew Vaughn
- Chicago White Sox acquire: 2B/OF James Triantos (Cubs No. 5 prospect), RHP Jack Neely (Cubs No. 17 prospect), cash considerations
Vaughn would be under team control for the 2025 and 2026 seasons for the Cubs. His $5.85 million salary this upcoming season is more than a bargain for Craig Counsell's team. He would be a big upgrade over Michael Busch at first base.
As for the White Sox, they receive a pair of pair players who are knocking on the door of the big leagues. Triantos dominated both Double-A and Triple-A as he hit .300 or higher at both levels. Neely struggled in a handful of outings with the Cubs, but he would get an extended look on a team like the White Sox with very little pressure.
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