Chicago Cubs: Five potential trades with the American League West

Chicago Cubs: You just know Maddon would love a reunion with certain players

Joe Maddon is now the skipper for the Los Angeles Angels and no longer the head honcho for the Chicago Cubs. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t guys Maddon grew attached to both professionally and personally that he’d like to see join him in sunny California. And, I’d venture to guess that the feeling might be mutual given the love for Maddon from his players during his tenure with both the Rays and the Cubs.

One such warm and fuzzy relationship with Maddon is none other than current Cubs backstop Willson Contreras. Given much of the credit for the rise to success of guys like Contreras and teammate Javier Baez, Maddon could use a catcher like Contreras out in Anaheim. And, with the Cubs looking to shed payroll and starting to think about the future, perhaps they give Victor Caratini a full-time gig behind the plate and use Contreras as a chip to get something back for the near future.

Contreras has three full years of team control and the Angels have Anthony Benboom and Max Stassi. Right. In other words, they need a catcher. The Cubs could also use a centerfielder for the future. Someone like fifth-ranked MLB prospect Jo Adell. Yep. Adell for Contreras straight up. Both fan bases would probably be livid about the trade, which means it might just work out for both clubs. Or, it might not.

However, there’s a need on both side, and it’s the kind of deal that doesn’t often get made but can be productive and valuable going forward for everyone. The Angels give up their only top 100 prospect in a pretty barren farm system, but they also get a huge bat in a position of need on a team that could be very exciting in 2020.

Thus concludes the Cubs potential trades with the American League – stay tuned for the wheeling and dealing with Senior Circuit clubs in the coming weeks.