Cubs Trade Rumors: Which current players should be moved at the deadline?

The Cubs could get an excellent return and still have a solid infield if they chose to trade Nico Hoerner at the deadline.

Of all the current players on this Cubs roster, one that arguably has the highest ceiling is the team’s youngest player, Nico Hoerner. This could make him a valuable trade asset if Theo Epstein chooses to deal the infielder in a big deadline deal. Hoerner has shown he has what it takes to be a solid defender at the big league level, but could still improve as a hitter.

After a hot-start, Hoerner has cooled off and is currently sporting a line of .227/.321/.258 with 10 RBI and a .578 OPS in 78 plate appearances this season. One has to remember Hoerner is just 23-years old and has yet to play through a full MLB season, so there is still plenty of room for improvement in his game.

The Stanford product has shown flashes of why he is considered one of the best prospects in the league. After a late-season call-up, last season Hoerner was a bright spot in the Cubs’ late-season attempt to reach the postseason: .282/.305/.436 with three home runs, 17 RBI with a .741 OPS in 82 plate appearances.

Currently, the rotation of the Cubs infield consists of Hoerner, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, David Bote, and Jason Kipnis. The team is still awaiting the return of Kris Bryant, who is currently on the 10-day IL. Assuming Bryant can stay healthy down the stretch, Epstein could afford to move the likes of Hoerner, which leaves David Ross to use Kipnis and Bote as he sees fit at second base.

I’m just spitballing ideas here, but if Epstein is looking to win now in 2020, trading Hoerner still leaves the team with infield depth and the possibility of bringing in a player or two to improve the current roster.

At the moment, Hoerner looks to be a piece of the Cubs’ future, so it would certainly be a risk, but if you plan on winning it all, sometimes a chance is necessary.