Chicago Cubs Rumors: Five players who could be traded this offseason

Chicago Cubs: Team unlikely to just let Russell walk

With more time, I’ve come to look at the Addison Russell situation in a bit of a different light. On a personal level, I still firmly believe the team should simply cut ties with their young infielder and move forward.

It sends a strong message: the Chicago Cubs do not condone or accept domestic abuse in any way, shape or form. Period. It not only puts the Russell saga in the past, but also pushes folks past memories of Aroldis Chapman, whose own domestic abuse allegations (and subsequent suspension) left a bitter taste in the mouths of many.

But, in trying to look at things through the eyes of the baseball operations team at Gallagher Way, I find it highly unlikely the team simply doesn’t tender him a deal this winter and lets him walk away. It’s far more likely Epstein tries to trade Russell to a team in need of middle infield help, potentially in some type of package deal.

Addison Russell will never be a 20-homer, 95-RBI guy ever again. And if he does, so be it. But he’s still young, controllable and represents one of the best all-around defensive shortstops in the National League. He has inherent value on the market and thinking otherwise would be foolish.