Chicago Cubs: Three blockbuster trades that could reshape the team

Chicago Cubs: Best middle infield in baseball in 2020?

Much has been made of the Indians not re-signing uber-talented shortstop Francisco Lindor to a mega deal. Much has also been made of the Cubs need for a set leadoff man to kickstart their offense every single game. Match made in heaven? Maybe.

Why would a Cubs deal work with the Indians? Well, for starters, Lindor has two more years of team control which would coincide with the mythical Cub “window of contention.” Lindor could play shortstop or second for the next to years, teaming up with fellow Puerto Rican team middle-infield partner, Javier Baez. Cleveland isn’t known as a big spender and it has been widely reported that Lindor may be on the trade block.

The Cubs also need to solidify their middle infield situation with the shortstop formerly known as Addison Russell now being a distant memory for Cubs fans. The question becomes, what would the Cubs need to give up to land the perennial All-Star?

If the Indians need a replacement infielder, it could come in several forms. They might see Nico Hoerner as an MLB-ready shortstop, but if they didn’t, it could also mean shipping someone like Zack Short or Aramis Ademan, if the Indians preferred one or even both. Package them with proven slugger and count-worker Ian Happ, who just needs to be in a lineup every day to post an .850 OPS.

Add in a Brennen Davis and the Indians get back three guys who could be starters in 2021 but cost next to nothing compared to the roughly $40 million Lindor would make the next two years.