- Cubs Make Huge Trade: Send Young Stars for Veteran Presence as Deadline Looms
As the MLB trade deadline draws near, the Chicago Cubs have sent shockwaves through the league with a blockbuster move that underscores a clear shift in strategy: win now, build later.
In a bold trade finalized late Tuesday night, the Cubs sent two of their top young talents—infielder James Triantos and pitcher Cade Horton—to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for veteran slugger J.D. Martinez and seasoned reliever Paul Sewald. The deal signals a definitive push toward playoff contention and leaves Cubs fans and baseball analysts alike buzzing about the franchise’s aggressive direction.
📦 The Trade Breakdown:
Cubs Receive:
J.D. Martinez (DH/OF)
Paul Sewald (RHP, closer)
Athletics Receive:
James Triantos (INF, Cubs #3 prospect)
Cade Horton (RHP, Cubs #2 prospect)
Cash considerations
💭 Why the Cubs Made the Move
For weeks, rumors swirled about whether Chicago would buy or sell at the deadline. Hovering around .500 and a few games out of a Wild Card spot, the front office clearly decided that waiting for next year wasn’t an option. This trade is a declaration: 2025 is not a rebuilding year.
Martinez brings postseason experience and much-needed power to the heart of the Cubs lineup. Despite being 37, he’s hitting .278 with 18 HRs and a .843 OPS this season. The Cubs have struggled with consistency at DH, and Martinez instantly upgrades the lineup’s depth and intimidation factor.
Sewald, meanwhile, provides veteran stability to a bullpen that has been unreliable in late-inning situations. With the Cubs blowing multiple leads this season, the former Mariners closer could be the missing piece that shortens games and locks down tight wins.
🧢 A Risky Sacrifice
Make no mistake—this trade hurts the future.
Cade Horton, the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2022, has been electric in the minors and was widely expected to debut by 2026. James Triantos, a polished contact hitter with growing power, had the look of a future everyday infielder. Shipping out both signals a clear shift away from the slow-burn rebuild fans have grown accustomed to.
But the Cubs aren’t strangers to this kind of gamble. In 2016, they made a similar move acquiring Aroldis Chapman in exchange for Gleyber Torres. That deal helped seal a World Series win—and most fans would take that trade-off every time.
⚖️ The Verdict: Smart Gamble or Desperate Push?
Whether this trade pays off will come down to two things:
1. Can the Cubs make the playoffs?
2. Can Martinez and Sewald deliver in October?
If both happen, this deal will be lauded as a masterstroke by President Jed Hoyer. If not, critics will say Chicago mortgaged the future for a fleeting chance.
For now, though, it’s clear: the Cubs are all in. And in a division that’s wide open, that might be just the kind of boldness needed to spark a second-half surge.
🔥 Fan Reactions (So Far)
“Love the move. We need vets who can hit in the clutch.” – @WrigleyFaithful
“Horton’s gonna haunt us for years.” – @ChiProspectGuy
“This team has the core. They just needed a spark.” – @BleacherCreatures
One thing’s for certain—Wrigley Field just got a lot more interesting.
What’s your take on the trade? Is this the right move at the right time, or are the Cubs mortgaging their future? Sound off in the comments below.