3 Cubs players who could be traded before the Opening Day roster is set

While the injury to Seiya Suzuki could throw a wrench in the Chicago Cubs' plans for their Opening Day roster, for the most part, there's a general consensus of the players who will break camp with the team. There still could be movement from Jed Hoyer and Co., considering the front office will likely want to get something for a departing player instead of letting them walk for nothing.

To be clear, we aren't talking about notable trades. Most of the time, this is a team doing a favor for a veteran player, sending him to a team with a clear opportunity to make an Opening Day roster.

3 Cubs players who could be traded before the Opening Day roster is set

Of course, the Cubs could certainly be a team with a need. If Suzuki isn't ready in time for Opening Day, the front office may look to the trade market to add some extra outfield depth. It's what makes the first Cubs' trade candidate an interesting conversation.

Chas McCormick

Chas McCormick entered spring training in a competition for Dylan Carlson for the final spot on the Cubs' bench. Then the Cubs signed Michael Conforto, and it seemed like only one of the three veteran outfielders would break camp with the team. The injury to Tyler Austin likely has cemented Conforto's spot on the team, and Carlson has looked better than McCormick in spring training.

While not confirmed, McCormick may have an opt-out in his deal with the Cubs at the end of spring training. Regardless, if there's a team in need of a veteran fourth outfielder, the Cubs may look for a lottery ticket in exchange for the former Houston Astros outfielder.

Javier Assad

The Cubs may have quietly revealed how they truly felt about Javier Assad last October when he was left off the team's playoff roster. In preferring Ben Brown's potential to miss bats, it seemed that the Cubs were saying that they don't exactly trust Assad's underlying metrics.

Assad has two minor-league options remaining, and for that, will remain valuable to a Cubs organization that is always looking for pitching depth. That being said, he seems earmarked to start the season in Triple-A Iowa, and if a team in need of starting pitching is desperate enough, the Cubs may not be opposed to a trade.

Kevin Alcantara

Kevin Alcantara remains a top prospect in the Cubs' farm system, but it's unclear how much of a runway he will get at the major league level this season. He's expected to open the season with Triple-A Iowa, and it's important to note that he only has one minor-league option available. That being said, short of an extended stay on the IL for Suzuki, it doesn't sound like Alcantara will have a clear path to playing time with the Cubs.

If not by Opening Day, Alcantara is trending toward being a trade chip for the Cubs at the trade deadline in August.