Chicago Cubs: Several Trades That Make Sense

May 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jon Jay (24) celebrates with right fielder Matt Kemp (27) after scoring in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Trade #2: Clayton Richard and Jorge Soler to San Diego Padres for Jon Jay.

Maybe this is a stretch, but there are two reasons that this works. First of all, Soler needs more at-bats in order to grow. He is under pressure in Chicago and has shown moments of promise. But with a packed outfield (Fowler, Heyward, Coghlan, Almora, Bryant) his playing time will be limited.

Sending him to the Padres will allow him to play daily with Kemp and Upton. And, the pressure to perform would be decreased, which may help him develop.

With left-handed Jon Jay coming to the Cubs, the team solidifies the rotating outfield with a solid hitter and produce more runs for an already potent lineup.

Coghlan and Almora would be able to fill in for regular days off and pitch hitting. Additionally, Kris Bryant can focus on infield play, possibly working at first to spell Rizzo every now and then.

Jay is a free agent at the end of the year, as is Coghlan, but could be affordable. Will Almora and Schwarber be ready for full-time play in 2017? Only time will tell. But, witfull-timedon’s love for flexibility, this move could prove helpful for 2016, and the future.

Next: Blockbuster deal

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