Chicago Cubs: Four possible trades within the National League Central

Chicago Cubs: If KB is lost, Suarez would be a nice replacement

Joey Votto, while a very good player, makes $25 million, only plays first base, is 36, and has a full no-trade clause. I don’t think that ones getting done even if the Reds decided to give him away – he’s just owed too much money at this point for his declining production. With the Reds expected to contend in 2020, it’s difficult to see many trades working out between divisional foes, especially given the fact the Reds have started spending some money.

While the Queen City boys do have some pieces that might interest the Cubs, those same pieces are probably of extreme value and interest to the Reds as well – and they already have control over said assets; ergo, the prices would be steep.

One name that might be a bit interesting to discuss is Eugenio Suarez. With the addition of Mike Moustakas this offseason, where will the Reds put all their infielders? They don’t have a DH and it seems they have three players for third base and first base. Unless they plan on using Moustakas at second or in the outfield (which probably wouldn’t be in their best interest), how are they going to work this out?

If it is possible to make a play for Suarez, the power-hitting third baseman torched the Cubs and seems to love hitting at Wrigley (.378/.419/.730 slash line in 43 plate appearances there last season – and the Cubs pitching was very good at home in 2019 before you start saying it’s because he was hitting against the Cubs). Though I don’t think this is much of a possibility, the acquisition of Moustakas leaves the possibility open for debate. Suarez is on a team-friendly six-year, $66 million deal that lasts until 2025 that wouldn’t break the bank for even the penny-pinching Cubs right now.