Trade rumors around the MLB have suggested the Chicago Cubs were dangling Javier Baez in talks with the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres as well as Jorge Soler in talks with the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians.
Those are the obvious big names that could be moved before 2016, but might the Cubs focus on moving younger prospects first?
While Baez and Soler have been among the most mentioned Cubs names in trade rumors, it's hard to envision Chicago moving one or both of these players due to the deficiencies that would result.
The team's outfield is already thin at the MLB level even with the recent signing of Jason Heyward. Kyle Schwarber played most of his professional career as a catcher before being moved to the outfield this past season, which was painfully obvious during the postseason.
Trading Soler would create another vacancy in the outfield unless the team were to move Heyward to right and acquire a center fielder, but at this point it doesn't seem as if Soler by himself would help the Cubs acquire what they need either in the starting rotation or in the outfield. It's also doubtful they're keen on moving Schwarber due to his superb offensive contribution during his rookie season.
As for Baez, the Cubs can certainly afford to trade him, but he provides formidable infield depth since he can play second, shortstop and third. He can perhaps get the return the Cubs want in a trade, but based on rumors since the non-waiver deadline it doesn't seem as if those trade talks are going exactly where the Cubs want them. Baez struggled mightily from August of 2014 through spring training before rebounding this year and teams could view his past shortcomings as a major red flag.
Yes, it's still early in the offseason and we're not entirely sure how these potential trade talks have actually progressed, but are the Cubs considering digging further into the farm system to get what they need for 2016?
"Keep in mind, too, that the Cubs have numerous prospects to trade behind Soler and Baez; one scout said third baseman Jeimer Candelario was the best hitter in the Arizona Fall League," writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Candelario, 22, batted .329/.371/.610 with 10 runs scored, 5 home runs and 15 RBI in 21 games with the Mesa Solar Sox in the AFL.
Baseball America recently released its top-10 prospect rankings for the Cubs' organization as well, and a number of attractive names are on there. Shortstop Gleyber Torres, catcher Willson Contreras, second baseman/outfielder Ian Happ as well as outfielders Billy McKinney and Albert Almora could be of interest to teams, especially if a number of them are included in a package. Based on what the Cubs are trying to acquire, that could be what happens because their major-league ready talent may not be viewed as valuable as others in their farm system.
Chicago has an advantage here since Torres is blocked by Addison Russell, Contreras is blocked by Schwarber (if the team keeps him at catcher), Candelario is blocked by Kris Bryant and one of the outfielders could certainly be moved following the arrival of Heyward. This surplus could yield them a cost-controlled starter.
On top of that, Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com said that manager Joe Maddon views Baez and Soler as "building blocks and not trade chips." He also said he anticipates they'll both be with the Cubs in 2016.
Only time will tell, but as we stay focused on the big names, just remember that the Cubs have other players they can move to acquire the pieces they desire.
