Chicago Cubs: Everyone needs to cool it with Manny Machado rumors

In all honesty, the Baltimore Orioles should have traded Manny Machado long before now. But, still, the Chicago Cubs aren’t their partner in a deal.

Could the Chicago Cubs use a more offensive-minded shortstop? Maybe. But with less than a season left before he hits the open market, hell will freeze over before Manny Machado comes to the North Side via trade.

The first month of the season has yet to draw to a close. Yet, the Baltimore Orioles already sit 12 1/2 games out in the American League East and nine back in the Wild Card race at 6-18. In other words, Manny Machado (and likely others) will be dealt this year. That’s not what we’re here to debate.

It’s the fact that it won’t be to Chicago.

Just doesn’t make sense

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The Cubs seem content with what Addison Russell provides at shortstop – at least for the time being. Although he’s never really developed into what we’d all hoped for offensively, he’s solid with the leather. Paired with Javier Baez, Russell forms one-half of one of the better double play combinations in the league.

For his part, Machado has already blasted eight home runs and driven in 17. His 1.107 OPS certainly doesn’t hurt his trade value – and could help shorten an inevitable rebuild in Baltimore. Despite all this, a trade to the Cubs still doesn’t make much sense.

Aside from the Aroldis Chapman deal, this front office isn’t in the business of acquiring rentals. Especially when Theo and Jed are working to reload a farm system that ranks near the bottom of pretty much every rankings list we’ve seen recently.

Another rental? No thanks.

Sure, the Cubs could put together a package around Russell – but would it really make this a better team in the long-term? Or perhaps the brain trust again goes for a win-now approach to their transactions this summer, looking to capitalize on a title winner

I still think that’s pretty unlikely. If it were 12 or 24 months ago and we were talking about this? These rumors would have a lot more life than I think they actually do at this point. Whether or not you’re sold on Russell as a long-term answer, you don’t trade someone with that kind of trade value for five months of a guy – no matter how good he is.

Next: Cubs, Brewers battle in a four-game weekend series

A stud middle infielder is not what the Cubs need at this point. The pieces are all there – it’s a matter of them stepping up and playing up to their ability. Relax, Cubs fans. It’s only April.