Chicago Cubs Rumors: Will the team look to trade with the Seattle Mariners?

Chicago Cubs: Want Edwin Diaz? It’s a pipe dream

While the most attractive players on Seattle’s roster would unquestionably be closer Edwin Diaz (the MLB leader in saves) and Mitch Haniger (first-time All-Star who will likely be retained for a bargain contract), they would each cost a fortune to acquire.

Haniger does not really suit the Cubs anyway, seeing as Chicago already has over $100 million committed to Jason Heyward in right field for the next five years.

Diaz would be a more intriguing acquisition. The Mariners still have multiple years of team control over the 24-year-old, which makes his contract situation extremely team-friendly. And that may be an understatement, considering Diaz notched 57 saves last season with a 1.96 ERA and an absurd 1.61 FIP in addition to an astronomical 15.2 K/9 rate.

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Brandon Morrow was dynamic as the Cubs’ closer when he was healthy, but he missed the entire second half and his injury history is stacking up in a hurry. Not only is Diaz young, but his arrival would allow Morrow return to more of a setup role that could be shared with (likely) Pedro Strop. Thus, the right-hander would be spared from pitching multiple days in a row, which has proved to be a boon for his health.

The problem is that Chicago would likely have to sell the house for Diaz, starting with top prospect Adbert Alzolay and, likely, multiple big league pieces.

Of course, Diaz’s youth would seem to negate the loss of Alzolay, but the Cubs are already thin on starting pitching prospects, many of whom they need to develop quickly given the ages of the pitchers currently in the rotation.

Chicago Cubs: This guy checks all the boxes

A deal that could be equally intriguing while satisfying a potential need could be centered around Mariners shortstop Jean Segura. The 28-year-old made his second All-Star team last season and has hit over .300 in three consecutive years. He has also stolen at least 20 bases in six straight campaigns.

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Segura put together one of his best defensive seasons last year, posting a career-high five DRS at shortstop according to FanGraphs. Segura’s 3.8 WAR was also in the top 10 for all shortstops.

With Addison Russell‘s future still a big unknown, Segura would be a major addition to the club. He could play short or second while giving the Cubs a true leadoff hitter with speed and some power.

Financially, he might also come at a bargain. Segura signed a five-year/$70 million contract with the Mariners in June 2017 and his AAV sits at $14.85 million through 2022, with a team option the following year.

Considering what the Cubs likely would have had to pay to retain Russell down the line as well as what mid-market middle infielders like DJ LeMahieu and Jed Lowrie could go for this offseason, nabbing Segura might be a steal.

Chicago Cubs: But who has to go?

Any deal involving Diaz or Segura is likely to include a top-level Cubs prospect (such as Alzolay or 2018 first-round pick Nico Hoerner) plus a big-league piece. Luckily, the Cubs have depth in this department.

Given their outfield depth, it is likely that the Cubs will dangle Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber or Albert Almora while possibly capitalizing on David Bote‘s value right now.

It is highly unlikely the Cubs will merely stand pat this offseason, but they are also somewhat handicapped by financial constraints. The trade market is an excellent way to navigate these issues while exploiting a deep roster to make immediate improvements to the club.

Regardless of whether or not a deal actually gets done, the options are certainly worth exploring. Chicago had success dealing with the Mariners in 2016 to acquire Mike Montgomery, now a crucial member of the pitching staff on the North Side.

Will they partner again? Only time will tell.