While the hopes for making the 2022 postseason might be gone, the Chicago Cubs gave fans a treat this weekend.
With the All-Star break behind everyone, it marks the beginning of the second half of the baseball season.
The Cubs would come out looking like a new team, sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies on the road.
This feat shows that the Cubs are still a good team, despite their sad 38-57 record.
However, even with the sweep, the Cubs have no chance of making it to the postseason this year.
They dug themselves too deep of a hole to escape from.
But they at least did something for the first time in 2022 with their three straight wins against the Phillies.
Cubs Sweep Of Phillies Marks First Series Sweep In 2022
The Cubs getting their series sweep would mark the first one for them in 2022.
Final: Cubs 4, Phillies 3
Cubs (38-57) sweep their first series of the season.
It also represents the Cubs' first three-game sweep of the Phillies in Philadelphia since July 25-27, 2000 at Veterans Stadium.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) July 24, 2022
It would also mark almost 22 years to the day since their last road sweep of the Phillies.
However, that’s not the only takeaway with those three wins they picked up on the road.
David Robertson shut down the Phillies after allowing a walk and a single in the ninth inning.
Cubs 4, Phillies 3. Cubs sweep their first series of the year. Phillies left the tying run on second in the ninth.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 24, 2022
His recovery from a one out and two on situation got him his 14th save of the season.
While it doesn’t save the Cubs season, it gives fans hope in their team.
However, the looming trade deadline could crush fans after seeing their team doing good now.
Looking To Be Sellers Once Again Before Trade Deadline
Every trade deadline sees teams dumping players when they have no chance at making the postseason.
The Cubs did this last season, shipping off their best players from their 2016 World Series championship run.
This season looks to be the same for the Cubs, as Willson Contreras could be the next big star to leave Chicago.
Cubs were happy and quick to trade Javy, Bryant and Rizzo… they’re going to trade Willson!! Sad but true. Ownership and head brass are inept since 2016
— Wrigley Report (@wrigleyreport) July 17, 2022
This already has fans lashing out at ownership for making moves like this in Chicago.
However, the pleas of the fans are going unheard as of now to keep Contreras in Chicago.
With the team finally showing some life, why discard one of the key offensive pieces the team has in Contreras?
Cubs Look To Build On Youth Over Experience
While having young players that you can lean on for years is helpful, having players with experience is important as well.
Instead of replacing players who aren’t doing as well, they are looking to trade away their cornerstones of the franchise.
Players like Kyle Hendricks, who’s getting worse with his ERA over the years, should be replaced with better talent.
However, the Cubs are looking to trade players like Contreras and possibly even Ian Happ.
Having talented players like them, who also bring experience to the table, can help the Cubs newcomers.
But they are looking for prospects in any trade offers they get for Contreras or even Happ.
It’s what they did when they got rid of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant last season.
Instead of extending contracts for their best players, they send them away for younger talent.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Why The Shouldn't Trade Willson Contreras