Chicago Cubs should consider dangling Addison Russell this offseason

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 17: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs receives a throw as Logan Forsythe #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers advances to second base in the eighth inning during game three of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 17, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 09: Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts (L) and general manager Theo Esptein look on before game three of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Explore all avenues

If I had to guess, I’d say Russell is probably staying put. For now, at least. But it shouldn’t stop the Chicago Cubs’ front office from exploring all of their options. They have an excess of infield depth and a serious shortage of quality pitching, both in the bullpen and in the rotation.

Tough decisions have to be made. Does a slight defensive edge outweigh a more productive bat? I don’t know that it does. Even with his shortcomings at the plate, Russell would still hold significant trade value. He’s young enough that teams can still choose to bank on his potential.

Next: Dodgers advance past Cubs to World Series

The Chicago Cubs are in “win now” mode. This gives them the luxury of going after the sure thing. They don’t need to roll the dice on potential. Leave that to the teams desperately trying to become relevant again. Let the endless machinations of the offseason commence!

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