Chicago Cubs: J.D. Martinez may have just forced a Mookie Betts trade

Chicago Cubs: Betts would be a perfect fit, but seems improbable

Let’s be honest. Mookie Betts would fix several glaring needs for the Cubs heading into 2020. Center field was a lackluster position when it came to production last year and the future looks murky, at best.

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Similarly, the team has been searching for a true leadoff hitter for three years now, regularly moving guys in and out of the spot while hoping for some type of consistent production. They’re yet to get any – and someone like Betts would transform the lineup in a way few other players could.

While that’s all fine and dandy, this isn’t going to happen. If the Cubs trade someone like Kris Bryant, I’d expect them to focus on high-end, controllable talent that could help keep the window open past 2021, when several of the team’s key players are slated to hit free agency.

Combine the fact that Betts has just one year of control left with Boston looking to put together a more sustainable payroll and a contract swap doesn’t make sense either. You’re not going to somehow unload a Jason Heyward in a deal like this – so don’t think that’s in the cards. It’s not going to happen.