Cubs News: Considering options to replace an injured Kris Bryant

Chicago Cubs: Teaming up Lindor and Baez would be a (pipe) dream come true

I’ve been a proponent of someone like Sheldon Neuse of the A’s before, but we’re not sure he would give the Cubs any more than what they already have internally. In addition, he would require the Cubs to trade someone(s) more substantial than the organization would probably be willing to let go of at this point.

Along those same lines but on an even bigger scale, Francisco Lindor would be the kind of move and infusion of talent that could be just what the doctor ordered right now for this Cubs team – but he’s going to cost too much both in prospects and salary. If it were a normal year, it might be a bit more of a possibility, but this is probably beyond pie in the sky at this point.

Then again, maybe the Cubs could go all in on the present and future by trying for a Cleveland package including disgraced pitchers Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac, as well as Lindor? That might not be all that difficult to swing with the Indians considering how the organization reacted to their extracurricular activities during a pandemic and Lindor’s seeming desire to test the open market. However, it also would mean the most battened-down team in the league regarding the coronavirus would welcome two not so battened-down youngsters.

After that, most third basemen who would be upgrades for the Cubs are either in long-term deals or wouldn’t be available without paying a king’s ransom in return. Then again, there’s always that potential deal with Colorado that could send Nolan Arenado to the North Side… guess we’ll just have to see how aggressive Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are over the next week and if Bryant can return to form.

Regardless, the Cubs internal options can hold down the fort for a few more days until the club can see what rest did for Bryant’s ailments. If he comes back to 80-90%, this might be something he and the Cubs can fight through. Let’s hope that’s the case.