Chicago Cubs Rumors: Putting together a trade with the Baltimore Orioles

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The Chicago Cubs have been rumored with Manny Machado, although no conversations have been had with the Baltimore Orioles (as far as we know). But we figured there might be something there if the Cubs wanted to pursue it.

This weekend, Jesse Rogers of ESPN proposed the possibility of the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles getting together on a trade. The target? Manny Machado, a free agent after this season. In turn, Addison Russell would be traded to the O’s–controllable for four more seasons.

Needless to say, most people were against the idea. Trade for one year of Machado for four years of Russell? Taking some of the points that were given, that’s still a horrible trade. But, there may be something to the chance of something developing between these two teams.

Let’s take a look at one trade that could work if the Cubs would be willing do it. First, you’d have to stomach trading one of the young stars in Russell. While you’d get a superstar in return (and a reliable one), it might only be for one year.

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Everyone wants pitching

With the interest of the Orioles being pitching and a middle infielder, the Cubs have one but not the other. Trading one of the young stars–in this case, Russell–you’re alleviating one issue for the Orioles. But the O’s want pitching, as well. And that’s a place that the Cubs don’t have as much to offer.

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But if we stretch the possibility of what the Cubs and O’s might do, there’s potential here for a deal. Specifically, Kevin Gausman or Zach Britton. Gausman has been a reliable arm but has struggled to reach the potential the O’s feel he has.

Under Control

But the one thing Gausman has is that he’s under team control until 2020. This is something that the Cubs have been working on recently. They currently have four starters under control until 2020, and that doesn’t include swingman Mike Montgomery.

Britton has been on the Cubs’ radar for some time, now. He’s set to test free agency after this season, so he and Machado could be a one-and-done combo. The Cubs could still use a closer this season, although Brandon Morrow is expected the fill the role unless the Cubs add someone else before Spring Training.

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Plagued by injury, or injury prone?

Last season, trading Russell wouldn’t have even been an option. Of course, the same could have been said for Kyle Schwarber after his first year and a half. But most have hopped off that train and are ready to make a deal. That’s not likely to happen, but that won’t stop the fans. Russell had some issues with plantar fasciitis, and it’s not his first issues with injury. Between Chicago and Oakland, you can say he’s had a history of injury.

From hamstring issues, sprained ankles and back soreness he’s missed some time. This isn’t an indictment on Russell, but it could be a precursor to future injuries. He’s young, but his average hasn’t moved much upon his arrival to the majors. While someone like Javier Baez catches a lot of flack for his swing and miss tendencies, he has found a way to keep his average around .270 or higher.

So while many don’t want to see Russell traded, they’re fine with Schwarber. Schwarber has more power from the left side and hit much better in the second half. If it’s merely because of his defense, I could argue that putting Baez out there at shortstop each day would be an improvement. But I digress.

Tseng without a home

Jen-Ho Tseng has been the Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year two times. In his first year at Triple-A Iowa, Tseng went 6-1 with a 1.80 ERA in nine starts. He had a quick cup of coffee for the Cubs at the end of the year, but it didn’t prove too fruitful for him.

With one spot left in the rotation, it seems Tseng isn’t mentioned much for the role. Even Eddie Butler‘s name has snuck into the conversation. Montgomery, the Cubs best swingman, even finds himself on the outskirts of the starter talk. The way it seems, the Cubs are going to find themselves another starter. If there’s no place for Tseng, it might be best to move him along–for the Cubs benefit and his.

The Cubs, however, do have options with Tseng and are by no means required to move him. Butler, on the other hand, is out of options. But the Cubs haven’t seen him build much value, especially since he was injured the end of last season.

Oh, what it could be

So where do we go from here? Is there more risk to Russell than we think? What if the Cubs were to send Russell and Tseng to the Orioles for Machado and Gausman? I don’t see Britton being part of this, only because he’s one of the few valuable pieces the Orioles have left. They’ll likely sit on him until the trade deadline and get max value for him.

This trade could work, as it would give the Cubs one of the best shortstops in the game, as well as a No. 5 starter that they need. The trade would also be “fair” as the Cubs wouldn’t be giving up a lot for nothing.

Harpermania on the horizon?

This could be the predecessor to signing Bryce Harper next winter. The Cubs full no-trade clause with Jason Heyward will expire after next season. See, Theo Epstein isn’t as crazy as we think. The Cubs could look to deal Heyward, while also trying to sign Harper or Machado, but probably not both. Especially, if the Cubs are intent on keeping Kris Bryant when the time comes.

Next: Way too early predictions for 2018

The O’s, who are already on the hook for a lot of money thanks to Chris Davis‘ contract, would have a shortstop and a starter for the coming years. They could build around them, and maybe things won’t be for so bad for so long in Baltimore.

It’s a longshot that a deal like this gets done. It would signal an “all-in” move from Epstein, but the Cubs might be just as well to stand pat on not try something so, edgy? Yeah, we’ll go with that. If the Cubs make a move with one of the young guys, it needs to be part of a larger plan. I would say this would account for said plan.

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