5 Chicago Cubs trade candidates: Who should stay and who should go?

It’s no secret the Chicago Cubs hold the keys to some of the most impressive and dynamic assets heading into the MLB trade deadline this year. Granted, each Cubs’ core star doesn’t get to quote The Clash’s immortal question because they don’t actually hold any leverage in the process, but to paraphrase on behalf of the Cubs, should these guys stay or should they go?

5 Chicago Cubs trade candidates: Who should stay and who should go?

There’s no question that there is value in each one of the core stars being traded, and many would rather see the Cubs just try and get as much value as they can if they’re going to tear this thing down anyhow. I like the idea of getting something for each one of these guys and then trying to re-sign a couple in the offseason a la the Yankees in 2016. It worked out well for them as they got Gleyber Torres (who has struggled lately, but that’s not the point) and it worked out for the Cubs as they got Aroldis Chapman and some hardware.

If Jed Hoyer is punting on the season regardless, and hasn’t extended any of these guys by this point, he’s most likely going to be competing for their services with other teams in free agency anyhow; may as well get something for them even if they’re still on the wishlist for 2022 and beyond, right? So, for four popular members of the core and that guy who’s closing for the Cubs right now, let’s discuss “should they stay or should they go?” for each.

5 Chicago Cubs trade candidates: Craig Kimbrel could bring in a massive haul

Let’s start with the most obvious trade chip on the Chicago Cubs: Craig Kimbrel. Not a member of the core or as beloved as some of the other homegrown/longtime Cubs, Kimbrel represents the most impactful and coveted player at this year’s deadline.

If the Cubs play their cards right, this is the guy who should command the largest haul in return this week. One if not two top 50-type guys should be the asking price, and with multiple teams interested and in need, someone should pay the steep price with which Kimbrel should be ticketed.

Kimbrel isn’t just the best available closer on the market, he’s the best closer in baseball. Any contending team, regardless of whether they have a closer already or not, would be foolish not to inquire and make an offer for this guy. Kimbrel represents an eight-inning game for every club heading to the postseason, and for those who already have a good closer, make that seven. If you hand the ball to Kimbrel with a clean slate to start the ninth inning, the game is over.

Should he stay or should he go? Easy answer; the Cubs have no need of a guy like this currently. Period. He most definitely should be going as he is the biggest trade chip they have and should be the biggest chip on the market. Don’t mess this one up, Jed.

5 Chicago Cubs trade candidates: Should we really be excited about this?

While Bryant’s versatility makes him even more attractive and valuable at the deadline, Rizzo’s leadership and presence makes him valuable despite his numbers being more offensive than offensive lately (you see what I did there). Rizzo is a clubhouse leader and plays a Gold Glove-caliber first base, in addition to what should be a really good second half after an unproductive first.

These two guys may be the face of the Cubs, but at this point, without having extended either one, they’re both likely to enter and test free agency. With Rizzo’s down year, the Cubs may actually be able to re-sign Rizzo to a deal less than what they could have extended him for.

And, while Bryant is going to get paid as one of the top 10 all-around players in the league, teams may not be as willing to shell out the $250-300 million dollars they once might have, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the new CBA to be negotiated after the season. If the Cubs could end up re-signing Bryant in free agency for around $200 million, it might be a coup.

Final answer on both: they should go, but not because fans and the franchise want them to- because they might bring back value for renting them out for a few months and then re-signing them over the winter.

5 Chicago Cubs trade candidates: Where will Javier Baez bring the magic next?

If there is one thing that is true, it’s that Javier Baez is always exciting. He’s spectacular, enigmatic, and volatile. He’s as likely to strike out as he is to hit a 450-foot bomb to right center. He might do the craziest, dumbest or smartest thing you’ve ever seen on the basepaths or in the field at any given moment. And, he loves the spotlight.

So, of course, he’s going to be front and center during the week leading up to the trade deadline.

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There isn’t a player whose value is argued more vociferously for and against than Baez. Some think he’s a $200 million player and some wouldn’t pay him at all. And, to be fair, that’s actually sort of fair given his style of play and his undulating career production. Does anyone truly know who he is? Is he the NL MVP runner-up, or is he a guy who can barely hit .200? Is he a Gold Glove shortstop, or is he unfocused and too flashy?

Should he stay or should he go? Again, this is a guy who is a Cub and should be a Cub. The way he plays makes it difficult to give him a super long extension, and that’s probably what the hold up has been with him in terms of an extension. While someone like Rizzo probably hasn’t been extended because he’s older, has a bad back, and has had recurring injuries to it, Baez has the proclivity to throw himself around making spectacular plays and swing in a violent Reggie Jackson-style corkscrew.

The Cubs probably would be happy with a four-year deal for Baez, but that’s probably not what El Mago wants when he looks at Francisco Lindor and Fernando Tatis Jr. locking up mega deals. If it were me, I know some club is going to want a spectacular shortstop with power who loves playing in October; deal him now and see what the free agent market dictates in the winter when it comes to re-signing him for something comfortable.

5 Chicago Cubs trade candidates: Could dark horse candidates be on the move?

While I certainly don’t want to see guys like Kyle Hendricks or Willson Contreras dealt and not a part of the 2022 and beyond, if we’re breaking up the band, why wouldn’t Hoyer listen to offers on everyone?

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Hendricks is a top 10 pitcher who no one thinks is. If another team values him as such on a ridiculously team-friendly deal, who knows what they might be offering? Two top 50 arms from a good farm system might be rather enticing for a team that has struggled with homegrown pitching for a decade.

Contreras, likewise, is a top 5 all-around catcher, no matter how you slice it. He could be extremely valuable to just about any team, and if the price is right… well, strike while the iron is hot I guess. `

Do I think either one will be dealt at this deadline? No. Should they be? Well, that all depends on the deal offered I suppose. That’s why they pay Hoyer and I’m not asked for my input.

In terms of other guys you might see go, why not deal guys like Andrew Chafin, Ryan Tepera, or Zach Davies? Anything they can jettison from the sinking ship (or adrift if you prefer that analogy) would be prudent at this point.

Again, not that I want to see any of these guys traded, but we are where we are right now, and may as well make the best of the current situation. If that means selling and getting the most value from each player who’s going to be a free agent anyhow, may as well pull the trigger.