MLB commerce rumors: 5 soon-to-be-ex-Cubs and the place they is likely to be dealt

We’ve written concerning the Cubs’ dilemma a few instances already this season. 

In early June, it was a chunk trying on the troublesome choices the entrance workplace may face, because the group they dismantled a bit was exceeding inside expectations and taking part in like a contender. After which, in early July, a chunk saying it was time to promote, after a disastrous stretch in June left them properly behind the Brewers within the NL Central. 

DEADLINE DEALS: 5 Twins gamers who may very well be traded by July 30

After which they misplaced just a few extra video games, simply to go away little question as to what ought to occur. The Cubs want a core change. It’s time to say goodbye to gamers who have been an enormous a part of their 2016 World Collection title, as a result of the membership certain doesn’t appear to be it needs to pay the value it might price to increase them. 

So listed below are 5 Cubs who may quickly be ex-Cubs. 

Kris Bryant, 3B/OF

Contract standing: Free agent after 2021

Have to know: After what was primarily a misplaced 2020 season, Bryant was again to his previous self in April and Might, with a median north of .300, an on-base proportion above .400 and a slugging proportion topping .600. His June was a catastrophe, although; he hit .114 in 23 video games, and never surprisingly the Cubs plummeted together with him. July’s small pattern dimension has been good, although, and his versatility will likely be seen as an enormous plus for no matter group acquires him. He may very well be a full-time starter at third base or at both nook outfield spot, and he can fill in as the middle fielder, too, all whereas producing at an MVP stage on the plate. Sure, please. 

Potential vacation spot: Mets. No contender wants an offensive kick within the pants greater than the Mets. Certain, a giant drawback is they simply want their established guys to hit higher — hello, Jeff McNeil and Michael Conforto and Francisco Lindor — however including a flexible bat equivalent to Bryant’s to the lineup is type of a dream answer. 

Javier Baez, SS

Contract standing: Free agent after 2021

Have to know: Yeah, that on-base proportion (.282) isn’t what you need, and he leads the NL in strikeouts, however Baez nonetheless is an impact-type participant who has 21 homers, 56 RBIs and 10 stolen bases on the season. And like Bryant, Baez can play a number of positions, so don’t assume solely about groups that is likely to be eyeing a shortstop improve. He may simply be a perfect match for a group that wants a second or third base improve, too.

Potential vacation spot: White Sox or Yankees. Certain, perhaps a commerce between the 2 Chicago groups looks like a protracted shot. However the ChiSox misplaced their second baseman, Nick Madrigal, for the yr, and neither Danny Mendick nor Leury Garcia has executed a lot after that harm. As for the Yankees, buying and selling for Baez would enable them to maneuver Gleyber Torres from shortstop to second base and perhaps assist him get away of his season-long funk. That N.Y. lineup is already closely right-handed, although.

Anthony Rizzo, 1B

Contract standing: Free agent after 2021

Have to know: He’s nonetheless a slick-fielding first baseman with a knack for producing within the massive moments, however his numbers are down the previous few years — he had, for instance, a .388 OBP from 2014 to 2019, and that’s at .341 for 2020-21 — and there aren’t a ton of contenders on the lookout for a primary baseman. Which is to say that, if the Cubs do commerce him, Cubs followers will nearly actually be underwhelmed by the return. And contemplating what Rizzo has meant to the franchise, they’ll rightly really feel that method. 

Potential vacation spot: Pink Sox. He does make sense right here. Boston’s lineup is usually right-handed, and Rizzo’s OPS — even on this down yr — remains to be practically 100 factors greater than the Sox’s common first baseman, teenager Bobby Dalbec. 

Craig Kimbrel, RP

Contract standing: $16 million membership possibility for 2022 ($1 million buyout)

Have to know: Has any participant revived his commerce worth greater than Kimbrel in 2021? He had been principally a catastrophe for the Cubs in his first two seasons with the group, rolling up a 6.00 ERA in 41 appearances. However he’s again to classic Kimbrel this season, posting a 0.59 ERA with 53 strikeouts and solely 10 hits allowed in 30 2/3 innings pitched. He’s the back-of-the-bullpen piece just about each contender craves.

Potential vacation spot: Astros. Ryan Pressly has been excellent because the membership’s nearer — 1.50 ERA, 9.2 Okay/BB, 15 saves in 16 alternatives — however the remainder of the bullpen has been … properly, let’s say it’s not been a energy. This can be a membership that’s motivated to win all of it in 2021, in an effort to point out that their earlier success — together with the 2017 World Collection title — wasn’t simply concerning the dishonest. Despite the fact that, y’know, they undoubtedly cheated. 

Willson Contreras, C

Contract standing: Arbitration-eligible for the ultimate time in 2022, free agent after 2023 

Have to know: In concept, he ought to/may convey again a stable return. He’s a catcher in his prime with one yr of membership management remaining. However he received’t be low-cost in that final yr — he’s making $6.5 million this yr and will likely be in his closing arbitration yr for 2022 — and there aren’t precisely loads of contending groups with long-term catcher wants proper now (sure, Yasmani Grandal is harm, however he is anticipated to be again this season; 4-6 weeks was the preliminary estimate). So if you consider groups that might commerce for him, take into consideration 2022 contenders, too.

Potential vacation spot: Braves. Yeah, perhaps this can be a lengthy shot. No person actually is aware of what the Atlanta entrance workplace people are fascinated about how they’ll strategy this commerce deadline, as a purchaser or a vendor. We’ll discover out in a few weeks. However the Braves haven’t gotten a lot manufacturing out of the catcher spot, with Travis d’Arnaud injured (and a FA after the season) and Willson’s brother, William, not too long ago despatched to Triple-A after an prolonged stretch of struggles on the plate. Perhaps we simply wish to see the Contreras brothers collectively. 

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