Cubs Receive Encouraging Update on Availability of Top Trade Targets originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Cubs, sitting atop the NL Central and in contention for the top spot in the National League overall, are poised to be major buyers at the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

With needs in the starting rotation and potentially at third base, no team fits with the Cubs’ needs more than the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks have been stingy about their players, and seemingly, want to avoid selling.

But, in a bit of good news for the Cubs, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Diamondbacks are open to selling their players, and specifically, at the positions the Cubs need most.

“The Arizona Diamondbacks, muddling along around .500, will definitely be sellers at the trade deadline according to rival executives,” Nightengale writes, “… They are marking starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez, and first baseman Josh Naylor available.”

This update from Nightengale is an excellent sign for the Cubs. With a need in the starting rotation, both Kelly and Gallen being available is a much-needed boost to the trade market.

If the Cubs and Jed Hoyer wanted a short-term replacement for Matt Shaw at third base, Suarez could also be a nice pickup. While Naylor wouldn’t be a need, his availability could help take other organizations’ focus away from the Cubs’ desired players.

Of the Diamondbacks’ trade targets, Suarez, Kelly, and Gallen would be among the best possible pickups for the Cubs by the end of July. While Suarez would be a luxury pickup, the two starters are a significant need.

With the injury to Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and the setback to Javier Assad, the Cubs need to add a starter. Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins might not be a top option, as he’s struggled this season.

But, Kelly and Gallen have had solid years, and would make nice complements to Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd atop the Cubs rotation.

The 2025 Cubs are poised to be buyers, and this update from Nightengale is an excellent sign that the Cubs will have some of their top trade targets on the market. Amid the uncertain trade landscape, this report is a welcome one for the Cubs.

Related: Cubs Get Great News From MLB on 2027 All-Star Game

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.

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