3 Cubs who will immediately be placed on trade block with promising spring training performances

Chicago Cubs' spring training is around the corner, and the focus will shift to constructing the team's Opening Day roster. Most of the decisions have already been made, except for who will be the fourth outfielder as well as the final spot in the bullpen. Certainly, moves--signing Zac Gallen or trading Matt Shaw--could change that outlook, but most of the questions answer themselves by the end of spring training.

There's no shortage of roster movement during spring training. Between last-minute moves and players being moved, there is constant tinkering with the roster. Even if a player stays with the Cubs beyond spring training, it may be because Jed Hoyer and Co. value them as a trade chip instead of a piece that can help the roster in 2026.

3 Cubs who will immediately be placed on trade block with promising spring training performances

Naturally, as a contender in the National League, the Cubs don't have many clear trade candidates. That being said, several players could emerge as trade chips by the time spring training is over.

Matt Shaw

For the foreseeable future, Matt Shaw is going to be the obvious trade chip on the Chicago Cubs' roster. There is a clear path to Shaw remaining with the Cubs, improving the bench as a utility player in 2026, and replacing Nico Hoerner at second base in 2027.

That being said, if Hoerner is extended, it's hard to imagine seeing Shaw as a utility player as the best way to extract value from him. Especially when, looking beyond just the 2026 season, the Cubs' farm system is weak.

If Shaw has an impressive spring training, that could force a team like the Boston Red Sox to make a trade.

Kevin Alcantara

Talent evaluators are mixed when it comes to Kevin Alcantara. Some believe he is easily the best prospect in the Cubs' system and in all of baseball, while others barely have him cracking the top 100.

Alcantara has been a streaky player during his ascent to the major league level, and that likely is one of the main reasons why he will likely open the season in Triple-A Iowa. If Alcantara impresses in Arizona, he could be the trade chip the Cubs dangle in trade talks before the deadline this season.

Jordan Wicks

The Cubs have three up-and-down arms that they need to figure out what do with before the end of the 2026 season. Javier Assad has proven to have success as a swing man in the majors, and Ben Brown's swing-and-miss profile is the reason the organization hasn't given up on him yet.

The odd man out feels like Jordan Wicks. Wicks was an afterthought during the 2025 season, and it's hard to see his role gaining any level of consequence in 2026. He likely will have a handful of starts during spring training, and if he has success, perhaps the Cubs give him the change of scenery that he needs.