Chicago Cubs: Is Johnny Cueto a practical trade possibility?

Contract murkiness

Considering the Giants’ situation in the standings, and regardless of the word that Cueto plans to opt-out, trade talks for Cueto can be tricky.

The Chicago Cubs aren’t moving prized prospects for a rental. For any potential trade, Cueto, in some way, shape or form would have to agree to stick it out on the North Side. Whether that means agreeing to a new contract or not opting out following a trade.

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Cueto’s bad numbers could actually work in the favor of teams trading for him, considering his value won’t be quite as high as if he was putting together a Cy Young season.

But we know the asking price will still be high as he is an ace, and track record of success speaks louder than a throwaway season. It will be interesting to monitor the approach teams, such as the Cubs, could have.

How does Cueto’s plan to opt-out affect trade talks? There were also indications back in April Cueto wanted to rejoin an AL club.

Stay tuned.