Chicago Cubs should take a look at trading for Mitch Haniger

Chicago Cubs: What would it take for the Cubs to acquire Haniger?

As everyone knows the Cubs farm system is currently nothing to write home about now that all of their top prospects have graduated to the big leagues. If Chicago were to make a legitimate offer for Haniger it would probably have to start with at least one, maybe two players, from the big league roster.

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A deal would probably have to be centered around Ian Happ, Albert Almora or Kyle Schwarber and could potentially also include David Bote. Possibly a combination of two of those players would be enough to get the Mariners attention.

When you start to look at Cubs prospects the list thins out. The Cubs have Duane Underwood, Justin Steele and Adbert Alzolay headlining the pitching ranks. Perhaps pairing them with any of the young Cubs from the big league roster would be enough to get a deal done.

I’m sure many of you are thinking that’s way too much to give up for Haniger, who’s only really played two major league seasons but I think he’s legit. Last season Haniger was named an All-Star for the first time and was a top-10 finisher in the American League MVP race. He’s only going to get better from here.

Guys like Happ, Almora, Schwarber and Bote aren’t even everyday starters on this team. We’ve gotten glimpses from all of them but none have proved they have what it takes to sustain that high-level of play game in and game out.

Haniger can be an everyday right-fielder and Jason Heyward can slide over to center if, in fact, Happ or Almora are dealt. That could help solidify the Cubs’ lineup and Joe Maddon could run a much more consistent team out on the field every day as opposed to all the tinkering and playing matchups.

Of course, everyone reading this is probably screaming why would we trade for Haniger when we could just sign Bryce Harper? Well, while that would certainly be nice, but due to the Cubs rumored financial restrictions, that doesn’t seem to be in the cards. If that’s not possible, trading for Haniger is a great plan B for the Cubs and gets them closer to another World Series.