This offseason, the Chicago Cubs have been rumored in a variety of trades.
The franchise is at a crossroads where they have to decide what direction they want to take for the future.
Currently, they sit in a position where they could compete for an NL Central divisional title.
However, their trade of ace pitcher Yu Darvish suggests they want to move in a different direction.
Padres are finalizing a trade to acquire Yu Darvish and Victor Caratini from the Cubs for Zach Davies and prospects, per @sahadevsharma, @dennistlin, @PJ_Mooney pic.twitter.com/8XXFUOfqHh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2020
Following their World Series victory in 2016, the organization knew they would have a lot of players that would soon need contract extensions.
With the start of the 2021 season approaching, some of their best players still appear to be on the trade block.
Here is a look at three potential trades the team could target to boost their team.
1. Wilson Contreras Trade
The Cubs catcher has had his name floated in trade talks all offseason.
With teams struggling financially following the pandemic, the trade market has looked more appetizing.
This has allowed the Cubs to shop Contreras and look for a large return.
Willson Contreras would make sense for Nats. They could use a second catcher, and there’s the Davey Martinez connection.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 19, 2021
One such team they’ve had conversations with are the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels have looked for an upgraded backstop all winter, having their name included in talks of signing J.T. Realmuto and James McCann.
It has been rumored that the Cubs have asked for too much in their trade talks so far.
However, the trade remains a possibility.
It would be centered around a package of minor league prospects.
This could be around either Reid Detmers or Jordyn Adams to go back to the Cubs.
The team currently has a shortage of talent in the outfield, and a young prospect like Adams could jumpstart their future at the position.
If the Cubs plan on retooling for the future, this would certainly be a good move for them to look at.
2. Kris Bryant Trade
Bryant is another Cubs superstar that has had his name floated around in trade talks.
Cubs star Kris Bryant is unhappy with trade rumors and ESPN https://t.co/G6ZZLdGSGM pic.twitter.com/Dp80785WGJ
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) January 22, 2021
With him entering his final year of club control, the team is looking at moving him to build for the future.
One such destination that would fit a Bryant trade would be Atlanta.
The Braves would benefit greatly from adding another power bat in their lineup.
Bryant could be the piece that takes them to the next level.
A deal would likely center around a top prospect and some major league help.
The Braves have the MLB’s No. 10 and No. 22 prospects in Cristian Pache and Drew Waters respectively, both of which would fit into the Cubs’ future outfielders.
Some major league talent that could help bolster the Cubs’ roster is young 3B Austin Riley or LHP Sean Newcomb.
Either of them would be major acquisitions for the Cubs.
With only one year remaining of Bryant, it would be smart for them to shift their focus to the future.
3. Kyle Hendricks Trade
After Darvish was traded, rumors shifted towards RHP Kyle Hendricks.
Many have expected the team to move on from Hendricks and add more depth in a trade.
The rumors originally centered around talks with the New York Yankees.
However, this trade is unlikely to happen after the Yankees picked up Jameson Taillon.
Now, the focus has shifted to the Chicago White Sox as a move could send Hendricks across town.
Could the Chicago White Sox ever acquire Kyle Hendricks? What would a TRADE look like? https://t.co/uDGTrLYk5D
— Southside Showdown (@SoxShowdown) January 22, 2021
The White Sox are looking for one more veteran arm to strengthen their rotation: Hendricks fits that mold.
A trade would center around a young pitching prospect such as Michael Kopech.
In addition to Kopech, another piece could be Blake Rutherford who projects to make his MLB debut this season.
With the White Sox depth, he likely wouldn’t have a spot on the major league club.
Because of this, a trade with the Cubs seems more appealing.
This would help the team get young, MLB ready talent to improve their team moving forward.
With each of these trade options, the Cubs would be able to cut salary while getting an influx of talent back into the organization.
While they wouldn’t be as good for the 2021 season, it would the best for the organization moving forward.
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