3 players the Chicago Cubs cannot trade under any circumstances

Here we are, just three days from the MLB trade deadline. Chicago Cubs fans are expecting the worst – facing the very real possibility of a full-blown fire sale. The probability of the Cubs trading all of their big names may not be quite as high as fans believe, but it is expected that at least one of the team’s big three will be moved before Friday’s deadline.

Kris Bryant has been labeled as the most likely candidate to be on his way out, with Jeff Passan calling the former National League MVP ‘good as gone’. Extensions talks with Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo are being re-visited by Jed Hoyer and Tom Ricketts ahead of the deadline, though there has been no word at this time on any updates.

Whatever the Cubs do, they must hold onto some type of core moving forward. A team with veteran leadership is as valuable as a good bat in the lineup. It is important here to identify the guys who could bring back the best returns, the guys with the most value to the Cubs and everything in between. Looking ahead to the future, let’s look at three Cubs who must not be traded this week.

3 players the Chicago Cubs must not trade: #3 – Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo sets this list off not so much for his numbers in 2021, but because he is viewed by many as the heart and soul of the roster. The moment you could pinpoint Rizzo as the captain, in my book, was in 2014 when approaching the Cincinnati Reds bench all by himself sticking up for his team.

Since then, he has been a part of three division titles, three NLCS appearances and of course, the first World Series championship in 108 years. He is also a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glover and one-time Silver Slugger recipient.

Although Rizzo is now 32, his glove has not faltered. His current slash line is .244/.343/.431 but he has gone six for his last 14 and is starting to heat up at the plate. The idea of re-signing Rizzo seems like a no-brainer to Cubs fans, the question is: What is he willing to sign for?

Rizzo turned down an extension of five years and $70 million. By doing so, it put a road block in place on extension highway. Rizzo is one that is in everybody’s heart as a Cubs fan. His contributions on and off the field make him one of the most likeable Cubs in recent history.

What the organization must be asking itself, is “Are we ready to commit to a $15-20 million AAV considering Rizzo’s age?” Will Rizzo be worth that amount annually when he is 37? Unfortunately, it’s understandable from a business perspective. Perhaps some contract options can be instituted in a new negotiation process. Either way, Rizzo’s leadership and experience in the postseason is invaluable. The captain must stay.

3 players the Chicago Cubs must not trade: #2 – Willson Contreras

It’s really simple when you think about it. All-Star-caliber catchers just do not come along that often. Willson Contreras is on pace to be the greatest Cubs catcher of all-time if he keeps up the production we’ve seen early in his career.

His passion to win is second to none and great catchers just don’t grow on trees. I don’t know what fires the crowd in Wrigley up more, a bomb to left-center or a blink-and-you-missed-it pick off throw to first, nailing a would-be go-ahead runner in a crucial spot late in a game.

The two-time All-Star currently has another year of team control and if there is one guy from a talent standpoint that needs an extension, it’s Contreras. Even if you overlook his work behind the plate, he also swings the bat well – evidenced by a career slash line of .260/.351/.458. He is also Mr. Clutch, if you haven’t noticed:

From 2016 in the NLDS to Monday night in the eighth inning, Contreras has stepped up big time over the years. Contreras is only the fourth Cubs catcher in the last 40 years to make the All-Star game and the only Cub to start multiple All-Star games in a row at the same position since a guy named Sammy Sosa. The organization will not find a catcher of his caliber easily. They must extend him and lock him up long-term.