3 insane Cubs Mariners trade ideas to heat up the winter meetings

Trade 2

Cubs receive: C Harry Ford, LHP Gabe Speier

Mariners receive: OF/1B Cody Bellinger, RHP Cade Horton, 3B Cam Smith, C Pablo Aliendo

One of the biggest needs for the Cubs right now is a quality starting catcher. Miguel Amaya is still young and only has one full year of major league experience under his belt. There are glimpses of hope for Amaya, but he has not yet shown he can put everything together to significantly impact the Cubs. This makes the catching spot one of the few spots in the lineup that can be upgraded given the contract structures the Cubs front office has given out.

Harry Ford is currently ranked as the 49th-best prospect by MLB, which features above-average power, a plus throwing arm, elite plate discipline, and apparent leadership qualities. The 21-year-old projects to be a starting catcher and could be the Cubs' long-term answer at the catching position. But young catchers like Ford have high price tags, as Hoyer found out at the 2024 trade deadline. Since the Cubs seem intent on moving Cody Bellinger this offseason to alleviate a logjam in the outfield, the Mariners could be a good fit.

Bellinger could slot in at first base in Seattle, giving them more power and defensive flexibility. Pablo Aliendo would replace Ford in the Mariners system, preserving their catching depth. Horton and Smith are the big acquisitions for the Mariners here, as top prospects would be needed to acquire Ford. Horton is currently ranked third in the Cubs' system and could help the Mariners bullpen as soon as 2025.

Smith is a power-hitting third baseman who would be tough for the Cubs to let go of, but he is currently blocked at the major league level by Isaac Paredes. Since Paredes is under team control for another three seasons, and Smith likely won't be ready for the majors until at least 2026, this is a prospect the Cubs can afford to move right now. Smith could also give the Mariners a long-term solution to their need at third base.

Speier is a left-handed reliever coming off a down year where he posted a 5.70 ERA. The 29-year-old has had major league success, though (3.79 ERA in 2023), and he generates a lot of strikeouts. The Cubs desperately need a lefty in their bullpen and Speier is a solid fit.