Chicago Cubs: Several Trades That Make Sense

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To me, it just makes sense.

The Chicago Cubs are in the middle of a season to remember. They have the best record in all of Major League Baseball. Each Cubs starting pitchers hold ERAs below 3.00, and the team has scored 162 more runs than they have given up.

Truly historic numbers. But, what happens if they do not win the World Series? Will it be good enough for this team of tremendous talent playing for a franchise famous for its follies?

If there is one weakness on the Cubs this season, it is the bullpen. Now, you can look at the stats and think that everything is fine and compare the weakness to Lebron James’s jump shot: better than average, but not what you want from the (arguably) best playing on the planet.

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The Cubs’ bullpen has a record of 8-7 this season, with an ERA of 3.63. However, the relief staff has only been called upon to pitch 188 innings this season, the lowest in the MLB. Granted these numbers are not horrible when compared to other teams.

As a matter of fact, they are great. But for those of us that watch the Cubs regularly, a knot forms in the pit of our stomachs when certain relievers are called in from the pen.

So, what options do the Cubs have to improve their roster for this year, without handicapping them for next year? From my view, there are three possible trades that will help the bullpen and overall roster for this season, without breaking the bank.

Next: Adding flamethrower's to the pen

Jun 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Yankees win 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade #1: Miguel Montero and Dan Vogelbach to the Yankees for Andrew Miller/Aroldis Chapman

Cubs: pull the trigger on this deal. In terms of salary, it is fairly even, although I think the Cubs may have to throw in $2-$3 million. The Yankees are in the process of rebuilding, whether they admit it or not.

Mark Teixeira is in the last year of his contract, and the Yankees are unlikely to sign him to the $22.5 million deal that he currently enjoys. Dan Vogelbach, who is batting .304 with 12 HR and an OPS of .958 with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, would be a great replacement for the veteran.

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Montero would add a solid backup to Brian McCann, and allow the Yanks to trade McCann for more prospects or young players.

The Cubs are set at first base with Anthony Rizzo and have two young catchers that are proving to be long-term contributors with Contreras and Schwarber. Willson is also showing his versatility by playing at first base on Thursday versus the Marlins.

David Ross has provided veteran leadership to this Cubs team, and I would not be shocked if he stayed on the team as a coach. If there is a need for another catcher in 2017, the Cubs would have room to sign Matt Wieters or Wilson Ramos on the Free Agent Market.

Whether it is Miller or Chapman, having a strong lefty coming from the pen would be a great advantage. The downfall of Chapman is he would be a free-agent at the end of the year. Miller is under contract until 2019.

Next: Making a tough call

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

Jun 19, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade #3: (if not traded in other transactions) Soler, Richard, and a player to be named to Atlanta Braves for Julio Teheran, Jeff Francoeur, and Arodys Vizcaino

Maybe, just maybe, this transaction is the best of all scenarios. Teheran is the top starter for the Braves, and Vizcaino is a solid closer on a bad team. The gaining of these two players would improve the pitching staff greatly.

If Joe Maddon sticks with the six-man rotation, Teheran is the answer. Adam Warren can stay in the pen and provide balance to that portion of the staff. Vizcaino could easily split the seventh and eighth innings with Strop or come in to close if something should happen to Rondon.

Next: PG Notes: Cubs at Marlins

But why Francouer. Solid defense, expiring contract, and a bat the can prove solid in the clutch. Soler, again, could use a fresh start, and can be a face the Atlanta Braves can build around as they enter a new stadium in 2017.

He can provide some extra protection for Freddie Freeman, and his contract is controlled through 2021.

To me, it just makes sense.

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To me, it just makes sense.

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