Chicago Cubs: Three players who could be moved in a blockbuster deal

Looking to re-shape a roster that has failed to live up to expectations, the Chicago Cubs could make big moves in a blockbuster deal this offseason.

Just three short years ago, the Chicago Cubs were in the midst of their historic 2016 postseason run – one that culminated in the team’s first World Series title since 1908. Anchored by a deep rotation and a core of controllable young players, the talks of ‘dynasty’ seemed anything but premature.

Yet here we are in early October, watching two division rivals reach the postseason after the Cubs faded down the stretch, winning just 84 games and losing eight of their final 10 contests. That stretch, combined with the team’s disappointing finish in each of the last two years culminated in the team moving on from manager Joe Maddon on the final day of the season.

Now, Theo Epstein is embarking on the quest to find Maddon’s successor – a tall task for any front office, even one led by a two-time curse-breaker. Once that’s handled, Epstein will set to work re-making a Cubs roster that has some pretty apparent holes.

Chicago should have more financial flexibility than they did a year ago – with a lot of money coming off the books. But free agency can be fickle and Epstein will undoubtedly keep all his options open as he looks to reload his team – including a blockbuster trade this offseason.