Chicago Cubs Rumors: This team has more trade chips than you realize

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The trade deadline sits just weeks away and the Chicago Cubs have needs. But to fill those needs, you have to give something up. Who are you ready to deal?

Right now, most fans are focused on the All-Star Game festivities in Washington, D.C. And, if you’re a Chicago Cubs supporter, why not? Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber will swing for the fences in the Home Run Derby Monday. Baez and Willson Contreras each hold roster spots on the N.L. squad in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic.

But once that concludes, it’s trade deadline season. Get ready to half-truths, semi-cooked rumors and absolute chaos – especially with names like Manny Machado on the market. For the Cubs, though, it comes down to arms.

“No matter what happens [with Darvish], we’re going to be trying to acquire pitching and try to acquire depth,” said Jed Hoyer. “That’s our focus no matter what.”

To acquire said pitching, the Chicago Cubs front office must send talent the other way (obviously). Who are some of their most valuable trade chips – and how likely to be traded are each of them?

Chicago Cubs: These two make a lot of sense as trade chips

David Bote has come into his own as a big leaguer over the first half of the season. He made his way from Triple-A Iowa to the majors multiple times as the roster shuttles back-and-forth.

In his first 19 major league games, Bote carries a .300 batting average with one home run and a couple runs batted in. Even though those might not be mind-blowing numbers, he has been imposing. He works the count in all of his at-bats and has an excellent glove regardless of where he plays on the field.

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Bote is an excellent 25-year-old player. But the problem for Bote is the entire Cubs infield is young – and there’s just not a spot for him. The diamond is too crowded and he’s a player who appears to have big league talent. In Chicago, he has a very limited future.

A guy who can hit, play first and catch?

Victor Caratini is in a similar spot as Bote. He has been an excellent minor league player who has played relatively well in the majors when he is given a chance.

In 35 games in the majors this year Caratini is hitting .274. He has been the Cubs’ backup catcher for the majority of the season while also getting a few starts at first base. The fact of the matter is that Victor Caratini is a solid catcher who deserves a chance to start far more than he does right now.

Chicago Cubs: Talk about a gamble with dealing these guys

It may seem a little odd, but yes, Mike Montgomery is a valuable trade chip. Ever since taking over for Yu Darvish in the rotation, he has pitched very well.

On the year Montgomery is 3-3 with a solid 3.91 ERA in 27 games – nine of which have been starts. You’re no doubt asking yourself: why would the Cubs trade an arm? Aren’t they looking to add pitching ahead of the deadline? I will admit it does seem a little redundant.

Think of it like this. The team fully expects Darvish to return at some point this season and if the Cubs do, in fact, add another starter, there won’t be room for Montgomery anyway. So in a way, if the Cubs do deal him away, then that will mean they likely acquired a starter.

An exciting middle infielder with high upside

Yup, that’s right, Addison Russell is a trade chip, as well. Russell has flown entirely under the radar because of the stellar start to the season by his double-play partner Javier Baez.

Russell carries a .273 average and even though he only has five home runs, he is just playing very high-quality baseball both at the plate and on the diamond. Let’s be clear, though. The only way Addison Russell gets traded is if he is part of a package to acquire a player like Noah Syndergaard, Jacob DeGrom, or Manny Machado.

Since the odds of such a deal like that is highly unlikely, I’m 99 percent sure Addison Russell will be a Chicago Cub come Aug. 1.

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Do they make a move

One thing we’ve learned? Don’t sleep on Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. These are two of the brightest minds in the game. Once they put their minds to something, they can hardly be stopped.

That being said, I believe the front office will make a move. But it won’t be a blockbuster. Rather, I anticipate a Bote or Caratini on the move – not a Montgomery or Russell.

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