Chicago Cubs options: Where could he go?
The first option the Chicago Cubs would have with Russell would be to simply non-tender. However, with a player with Russell’s raw talent at just 25 years old and an All-Star appearance already on his resume, there should definitely be some interest around the league. Who would be the teams that could be interested in making a deal?
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies finished this season setting a record for the worst defense in the history of the game by the defensive runs saved metric. The key reason is a lack of consistency at shortstop.
The Phillies are rumored to be heavily into the top two free agents on the market, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. Machado has been open about his desire to play shortstop, but with manager Gabe Kapler‘s positioning, putting Russell alongside Machado would certainly be viable, and bringing him in would also allow the team to focus their energy primarily on Harper if that was their top aim.
Baltimore Orioles
With Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette out in Baltimore, there will need to be new folks in place in those crucial decision-making roles before roster construction can even be considered, but certainly, the Orioles are in need of a shortstop. The teams have made multiple deals in the past, and this could be a mutually agreeable move to bring in a young, talented shortstop to Baltimore while alleviating the PR issue in Chicago.
San Diego Padres
With Fernando Tatis, Jr. being injured toward the end of 2018, he’ll likely spend the majority, if not all, of 2019 in AAA. Bringing in Addison Russell would give the team a legitimate shortstop, though the Padres very well may choose to keep Freddy Galvis.
Detroit Tigers
With the free agency of Jose Iglesias, the Tigers have a couple of seasons before their best shortstop prospects would be ready at the major league level, so Russell could provide a good option for his final three years of arbitration.
So while not a comprehensive list, there would be some level of a market for Russell. Once the Chicago Cubs move him, then what would they look to do?