Chicago Cubs Rumors: Looking at the Cubs’ potential trade pieces

The wizard with a boom stick

Lastly we have Javier Báez, who’s been the center of trade rumors for a few years now. He was even ‘traded’ for Shelby Miller in 2015, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. He tops this list for a few reasons.

On a loaded Cubs’ team, Baez continues to see less at-bats than expected. He’s not riding the bench, but he’s not playing every day, either. He’s good enough to be a regular, and some teams would pay a hefty amount to have the chance to pencil him in everyday.

Two, Happ’s emergence has made him more available to other teams. Like Happ, Báez can play both infield and outfield, yet Happ can play both better overall. Losing Báez won’t hurt the Cubs too much when you consider they already have his ‘replacement.’

Happ and Báex can co-exist but one has to wonder if Báez would get the at-bats necessary for him to take the next step if he’s sharing playing time. The Cubs naturally want him to reach his full potential; the question is can he with the Cubs?

Báez is an electric player who still has room to get even better. However, trading him would net a big return, either by himself or packaged with someone else.

If the right offer comes along, expect the Cubs to pounce.

Verdict