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

Trade 3

Cubs receive: Cal Raleigh

Mariners receive: C Miguel Amaya, 2B Nico Hoerner, 3B Cam Smith, C/1B Moises Ballesteros

Let me be clear, the Seattle Mariners are probably not going to trade Cal Raleigh and the above package may not even be enough if he were available. But this is my insane trade list so here we go.

The upside for the Cubs is clear, Raleigh is arguably the best catcher in the league. He is coming off a season where he led the Mariners in bWAR (4.7), hit 34 home runs, and drove in 100. Had he been on the Cubs, Raleigh would have led the team in all of those categories while also providing elite pitch-framing skills.

In this scenario, the Mariners receive Amaya as an immediate replacement for Raleigh. This is a clear downgrade, but Ballesteros could also provide catching depth until Ford gets to the majors. Ballesteros would also help fill the power gap left by Raleigh's departure and potentially take over at first base. Hoerner gives the Mariners a fantastic leadoff hitter and defensive wizard, while Smith, again is a solid third baseman for the future.