Cubs: Rafael Ortega is a trade chip worth keeping an eye on

Looking at who the Chicago Cubs might move between now and the Aug. 2 trade deadline, we’re going to spend a good amount of time talking about Ian Happ, Willson Contreras and some members of the pitching staff.

But not all trades have to include marquee names. For a rebuilding team like Chicago, there’s less of a reason to hold onto even that next tier of player – non-superstars who can still make an impact on the field. That’s especially true if there’s a contender willing to maybe overpay a bit for the right piece.

One player on this team who fits that description perfectly is outfielder Rafael Ortega who, after a slow start, has built on what he did during his breakout showing last summer. His walk rate ranks in the 90th percentile, due large in part to an above-average chase rate (75th percentile) and whiff rate (77th percentile). 

Now he’s probably not an everyday guy – at least not on a team with championship aspirations. But he’s absolutely a guy capable of being your fourth outfielder, ready for those right-handed matchups from the left side.

Cubs: Rafael Ortega could be a perfect piece for a postseason contender

Last year, he put up a .900 OPS against right-handed pitching; compared to a dismal .421 mark against southpaws. He’s improved a great deal against lefties in 2022 (in a very, very small 16 plate appearance sample size) – and has a .765 OPS against righties. He’s rebounded from a .304 OBP in the season’s first month and is scorching hot here in June with an .897 OPS entering action Sunday.

We know a team like the Mets is looking for a left-handed bat in their outfield mix. While they’ve been connected to Happ (among others), if they’re looking to add more of a supplementary piece, someone like Ortega, who comes with a much lower asking price, could make sense.

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Now, the Cubs by no means need to trade him this summer. Ortega isn’t even arbitration-eligible until 2024 and won’t hit free agency until 2027. But if a team comes calling and the offer is right, don’t be surprised to see Jed Hoyer shopping the 31-year-old outfielder this summer.