Chicago Cubs: Adalberto Mondesi makes for an intriguing trade target

Major League Baseball did writers a great service in locking out this winter. Most each year, there is little time to jump down the lets-make-a-deal rabbit hole of trade ideas.

However, as MLB continues its lockout, we can now enjoy the brevity of the rumors and instead promote grandiose deals and, like a puzzle, fit pieces where they make the most sense in our minds. A case in point would be Kansas City Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi.

Mondesi is an exciting player. The son of former big leaguer Raul Mondesi, the younger Mondesi made his major league debut the same year the Cubs clawed their way back from the cliffs of defeat in capturing their first championship in over 100 years. But, you know, the Royals called up an outstanding prospect, so who is the real winner here?

Chicago Cubs: Adalberto Mondesi makes sense in a lot of ways

Joking aside, Mondesi has largely flown under the radar, and it makes sense why. The Royals are not a large market team, and Mondesi himself has experienced many injury-shortened seasons. Moreover, the 26-year-old has played in just 100-plus games once in his career. Not an excellent track record for a potential trade target, eh?

So why is Mondesi all of the sudden a guy for the Cubs to consider? Firstly, as I noted, Mondesi is still just 26 years old. He is coming into his own and could be set for a career year in his age-27 season. As he is not a big power guy, this fits the apparent mold the Cubs seem to be forming. Mondesi has hit double-digit home runs just one time in his career.

What is lacking in the power department is made up for in his speed and defense. In 2021, Mondesi swiped 15 bags in just 35 games and has 82 stolen bases in his past three years. Assuming you can get a relatively healthy Mondesi, you’re looking at the possibility of a year with 50-60 steals. Imagine the number of runs it would create for a team built around high-contact bats.

Mondesi brings a lot to the defensive side of the ball as well. In 2021 the defense slipped a bit. However, in the two years prior, Mondesi combined for nine runs saved and a 6.4 UZR/150, both in the green light. A place like Wrigley would provide an excellent opportunity to showcase his defense as well as his bat.

The average has dipped since 2018. However, there are other areas within his offensive profile where he’s seen an improvement. Last season, for example, Mondesi saw his slugging percentage jump from .416 in 2020 to .452. He also put together a few nice stretches of offense and showcased again why he can be solid when healthy.

An area of focus would need to be heavily devoted to his swings and misses, as in 2021, it became the second straight year with a strikeout rate of over 30 percent.

A trade for a guy like Mondesi would not take more than a few mid-level prospects, and that is more than okay. He does not hit free agency for two seasons, and the stability would help anchor a spot in the everyday lineup. It would be a win-win for the Cubs and provide an interesting angle to the 2022 season and beyond. So let’s shake things up, Wrigleyville.