Chicago Cubs Rumors: Five potential Wrigley-bound trade options
By Paul Ashley
The Chicago Cubs were unable to reach the National League Championship Series for the fourth straight season following a loss to the Colorado Rockies in the NL Wild Card game last season. Nonetheless, the team is still in win-now mode and the front office will be looking at all possible upgrade options this offseason in heavy Cubs rumors.
The Chicago Cubs finished last season tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central division. Unfortunately for the Cubs, they were sent to the NL Wild Card game after the Brewers were triumphant during the tie-breaking game 163 to win the division. To make things worse, the team also fell short in the NL Wild Card game to abruptly end their postseason hopes.
Despite having home-field advantage in both one-game playoffs, the Cubs were only able to put together a combined two runs in their short-lived postseason appearance. The poor display of offense during these two one-game playoffs also spurred many questions on if the team needs to make significant roster changes or simply go into next season with the same group of players.
Although Cubs rumors have surfaced that Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant are available in trade talks, it is very unlikely that either player will be moved during the current offseason. Even though this would be an optimal time to trade Rizzo, especially after he put together his fourth straight 100 RBI season in 2018, his offensive output is too valuable to the Cubs at this time.
On the other hand, as Bryant was only able to compile a meager 13 home runs and 52 RBI through 102 games last season, it would not make sense to move the versatile defender while his value is not at a lower level. Rizzo, Bryant, and Javier Baez also combine to form a very fearsome trio at the top of the Cubs lineup, so it makes far more sense to continue to build around these players instead of trying to trade one of them this offseason.
Due to this, the following five players are possible trade options for the Cubs as they look to make improvements to their team during the current offseason.