Chicago Cubs: Five potential trades to consider with the NL East

Chicago Cubs: Bryant to the Mets? Mets fans say LGM!

Bryant is going to be the main focus in trade talks with the National League East, and for good reason. First off, he’s really good and who wouldn’t want him if they’re expecting to contend. Secondly, whoever does trade for him essentially blocks the three other teams from getting him (yes, I realize I did not include the Marlins in the four team race for the NL East).

By going after Kris Bryant, the Mets would be telling their fans that they’re attempting to compliment a deep pitching rotation with a better offensive lineup. By giving up a top position player prospect and three of their top pitching prospects, they’d also be showing the Cubs that they mean business in this kind of deal.

While it may seem like a lot for the Mets to give up, none of the guys the Cubs would be getting have done anything in the majors. However, by playing the quantity over upper crust quality in this deal, the Cubs would be banking on one or two of the pitchers sticking and the position player to be a starter at some point.

Who are these mystery men for the Metropolitans? None other than third baseman Brett Baty along with pitchers Matthew Allan, David Peterson, and Kevin Smith. Peterson and Smith are also both left-handed throwers. With three more quality arms in the pipeline and a guy who should be able to play third base in a couple of years, the Cubs angle here would be for the future for sure, but by stagnating for another offseason, are they really going after a trophy in 2020?