Chicago Cubs: The likeliest trade destinations for the Big 3

With just days left until the MLB tradedeadline, we can fully expect this week to be full of rumors – ranging from logical to far-fetched. It’s no secret the market is about to get wild, especially for the Chicago Cubs when we’re thinking about landing spots for the ‘Big 3’ in Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo.

Let’s get right into the thick of things on the likeliest landing spots for the team’s trio of stars.

Chicago Cubs: For Kris Bryant, it keeps coming back to the New York Mets

Sticking with the rumors that have persisted the most here. The most interest thus far for KB has seem to come from the Big Apple in the form of the New York Mets. According to Cubs insider,  the Mets are trying to downplay interest in Baez and the aforementioned Bryant, making it all the more eye-opening in my opinion.

I can see a scenario where the Mets attempt to make the best offer at the last second in hopes of swooping in and snatching KB, hoping that no one would be expecting it. I don’t think the surprise would be that earth-shattering, but it’s one way to go about it to try to throw your division rivals off given so many other NL East times have been connected to the four-time All-Star.

It will be very interesting to see what the return will be for Bryant, if moved. One report speculates a deal could involve a Mets top prospect by the name of Ronny Mauricio. Another interesting scenario would be the Cubs going after right-hander J.T. Ginn, who currently is in High-A for the Brooklyn Cyclones as well as Mauricio. Ginn could potentially have more upside for a faltering rotation in Chicago but is likely further from big league status than Mauricio, who has an MLB ETA of 2022.

Chicago Cubs: Can Javier Baez help spur a late season Yankees run?

We all heard the chatter that Jed Hoyer and the Cubs would try to extend both Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo before the deadline. That was unfortunately 10 days ago and time is drastically running short now. The New York Yankees are in need of an upgrade at shortstop and Baez could be the spark that ignites the flame in the Bronx. Though nine games back behind the division rival Boston Red Sox, the Yanks sit at only 3 1/2 back in the Wild Card race and, as we all know, anything can happen in October.

Could a Baez trade to the Bronx bring back Gleyber Torres, who was signed by Chicago and part of the Aroldis Chapman deal? We must first look at the parameters. With the luxury tax currently at $210 million and the Yankees payroll at $209 million, they will likely have to find a way to make it work financially, unless they just decide to blow through the threshold.

Not being in first place may make a penalty such as this less palatable if you’re Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Or more importantly, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, who spends in a very different way from that of his father, the legendary George Steinbrenner.

Other than a financial aspect, a move for Baez could make a serious impact in the AL East. If the Cubs wouldn’t look at Torres for a potential return, a prospect package headlined by current Double-A affiliate, Oswald Peraza, could do the trick as well. Peraza is currently #96 in the MLB top 100 prospects and #4 in the Yankees organization. Peraza currently has an MLB ETA of 2023.