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Ranking the 3 most valuable Cubs trade candidates
Despite picking up a series-opening win on Monday behind a dominant effort from Kyle Hendricks, the Chicago Cubs still sit eight games under .500 at 10-18 on the season. If we’re being honest, the season is already hanging in the balance given the team’s recent performance (Chicago is 2-10 in its last 10 games).
Keeping all that in mind, it’s hardly too soon to be thinking about this summer’s trade deadline and accepting the fact the Cubs could very well be big-time sellers again, even after unloading almost every high-performing player on the roster last July. Here are three guys who could be on the move if Jed Hoyer keeps subtracting between now and the deadline.
3 most valuable Cubs trade candidates: #3 – Willson Contreras
Given the complete lack of extension talks prior to Opening Day, a Willson Contreras feels almost like an inevitable outcome. Throw in the fact that he’s currently the most valuable offensive catcher in the game with a passion for winning and it’s not hard to see why teams would be lining up to add his services for a stretch run.
In 23 games this season, the two-time All-Star is batting an impressive .279/.380/.477, with six doubles, a triple and three home runs. He’s dramatically improved his strikeout rate year-over-year and continues to be a valuable veteran leader in the clubhouse.
I personally don’t see a scenario where the Cubs just run out the clock on Contreras’ final year of team control. With an eye on the future, Hoyer seems more likely than ever to capitalize on his stellar showing so far and make a move in the coming months.
3 most valuable Cubs trade candidates: #2 – Kyle Hendricks
For the better part of the last decade, Kyle Hendricks has played an integral role atop the Cubs rotation. He’s started some of the biggest postseason games in franchise history, most notably, the pennant-clincher against the Dodgers in 2016 and, of course, Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.
Despite running into some struggles over the last year or so, Hendricks is still very much capable of keeping even the most potent lineups in the league off-balance when he’s locked in, as was the case this week against the Padres in San Diego.
Hendricks is under control through 2023 – and the vesting option for 2024 is a non-factor. That means you’re looking at a year-and-a-half of his services in any trade. That could prove attractive given the relative affordability (he makes just $14 million annually this year and next) and the potential upside you get in adding a pitcher of his caliber.
He’s done everything asked of him and then some during his Cubs career, yet somehow remains underrated nationally. But if you’re a club in need of quality rotation depth with an eye on October, there are few more attractive arms to be had than Hendricks.
3 most valuable Cubs trade candidates: #1 – David Robertson
There are plenty of fair critiques one can dole out when it comes to the Cubs front office in recent years and where things went wrong. But you can’t say this group hasn’t been excellent at hitting on buy-low relievers in free agency.
The latest example is right-hander and former Yankees fireman David Robertson who, after tossing a cumulative 18 2/3 innings at the big league level since the end of 2018, has settled in nicely as Chicago’s closer this season.
Robertson has racked up 17 punchouts in his 11 appearances spanning 12 innings, working to a 2.83 FIP, 1.50 ERA and 0.750 WHIP in the process. He’s been as reliable as they come and, given he’s on just a one-year, $3.5 million deal, you can bet that, barring something going catastrophically wrong, he’s going to be traded this summer.
Next. Ranking the worst Cubs trades of the last 50 years. dark
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Turning Robertson, a 37-year-old reliever near the end of his career, into long-term assets is a no-brainer for Chicago brass. For now, we can enjoy his dominance in the late innings, but know that this guy is a sure-fire trade candidate between now and the end of July.