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

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.