Cubs Make First Moves of Trade Deadline

Two early trades fall precisely within the plan

Full scope of Chicago's Deadline to be revealed by Tuesday at 5 pm CT

The Chicago Cubs have made the first two trades of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday and sending reliever Mychal Givens to the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. These moves come as the Cubs are widely expected to be sellers at the deadline, with several other players rumored to be on the move.

The full scope of the Cubs' deadline plans will be revealed by Tuesday at 5 pm CT, when the deadline for teams to make trades without waivers passes. However, these two early trades give some indication of the direction the Cubs are headed. Paredes is a young, controllable player who fills a need at third base, while Givens is a veteran reliever who can help bolster the Orioles' bullpen.

The Cubs have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball this season, with a record of 45-67 entering Monday's game. They are currently in last place in the NL Central, and their chances of making the playoffs are渺茫. As a result, the Cubs are expected to trade away some of their more valuable players in order to acquire prospects and build for the future.