Chicago Cubs: Five players to keep, trade or dangle

Chicago Cubs: You can bet these guys will not be going anywhere

Let’s be honest- there are more than five guys who are on this list if the Cubs’ front office views this team as contenders, which it should. That being said, you could put the entire starting rotation and several relievers on this list, as they’re not going anywhere. That leaves you with core position players who have an immense amount of value, for many different reasons.

The Bryzzo Souvenir Co. is back in full swing this year, serving up souvenirs and feel-good stories. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo represent the cornerstones of the Cubs, so unless a team comes-a-calling with some crazy deal, they’re not going anywhere. While it has been speculated that the Cubs would entertain offers for Bryant, a Scott Boras client, there are very few packages or players who would give the Cubs the kind of value they would need even to consider such a trade.

Willson Contreras and Javier Baez, due to their unique skill sets, passion for the game, and youth will not be going anywhere any time soon. Contreras is one of the best offensive catchers in baseball and has a bazooka attached to his right shoulder. While he is not regarded as a great pitch framer, it’s the only negative to his otherwise stellar game.

Baez, the most exciting player in the game, is a defensive whiz and has as much power as any shortstop in the majors. Both play with an infectious passion and trading away either would cause mutiny in the Wrigley Field bleachers and probably the clubhouse.

Jason Heyward, another untouchable player, is a bit different from the rest of the guys here. While Heyward has enjoyed a renaissance at the plate, finally showing the offensive production the Cubs thought they would be getting when they signed him to a $184 million contract, the team might consider moving him if they could.

Despite the fact he’s a having a good offensive season and is almost always a superb defensive right-fielder, he makes a lot of money. With $86 million still due to Heyward after this season, the Cubs would probably listen to offers if someone wanted to take on that salary. This kind of move, while farfetched and highly unlikely, would enable the Cubs to add an even more productive bat in right field.

While you can be sure the Cubs will make some kind of move, the real question will surely be, what will they have to give up to get what they want? If they do trade MLB talent for MLB talent, you can be sure some of these names will be involved.