Cubs Rumors: These three players could be on the move soon

Cubs Rumors: Will Almora be here long-term or is he on the move?

Fans are remarkably divided when it comes to Albert Almora‘s long-term role on the Cubs. Is he the center fielder of the future or will he simply serve as a trade chip to address other needs on the roster?

There’s little question where Almora brings the most value – it’s with his glove (2.9 UZR, 4 DRS). The guy routinely makes catches that boggle the mind and save runs. In my memory, he’s the best defensive center fielder I’ve ever seen roaming the outfield at the Friendly Confines.

Flanked on one side by five-time Gold Glove winner Jason Heyward, Almora gives the Cubs one of the best defensive combinations in the game today.

But with the bat, Almora has left plenty to be desired. He doesn’t walk – (career 5.1 percent walk rate) and he doesn’t drive the ball enough to make up the difference. To be fair, he doesn’t strike out much, either – but after hitting north of .285 in each of the last two seasons, he’s cratered to a .245 mark entering Thursday’s off-day.

If the Cubs decide to retain Happ, we could see Almora on the move, allowing Happ to slot back into center field or even Heyward slide over from right. We know there are few guys the front office loves more than Almora – but in a year where production will supposedly take precedence over promise, this is a guy who has to be feeling the heat approaching the deadline.