Cubs Rumors: Marlon Byrd Trade “Unlikely”

Yesterday we heard that the Chicago Cubs were listening to offers for veteran center fielder Marlon Byrd.  With the emergence of top prospect Brett Jackson, some felt the Cubs may even actively shop Byrd this spring.  However, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that a trade involving Byrd is “unlikely” at this point.

Rosenthal agrees that the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals would be a fit for Byrd, and even adds the Philadelphia Phillies to the mix.  Still, Rosenthal said the factor that will prohibit these teams from making a run at Byrd is his salary and their payroll situations.

Merely a week away from their season opener, these teams already have their payrolls set.  Byrd is set to make $6.5 million this season, and it’s not like the Cubs are a team looking to eat salary.

Even if they were willing to take on a large portion of Byrd’s tab, Rosenthal doesn’t get the sense that the Braves, Phillies or Nationals are interested in surrendering a significant piece for the 34-year-old.

For this reason Rosenthal envisions a Byrd trade as something more likely to develop closer to the July trade deadline.  At that point, teams figure to be more willing to acquire that one extra piece and Jackson will have had a few months to force the issue in the minors.

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