4 Cubs players most likely to be traded after Jed Hoyer hints at different looking 2027 roster

The Chicago Cubs' roster is going to look different in 2027. A majority of the pitching staff is headed toward free agency once the offseason begins, and Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Carson Kelly could all be potential departures from the starting lineup. Sure, some of those players could be back, but the impression is that next year's team will have a different feel to it.

It's an odd situation the Cubs find themselves in. On one hand, their core looks to be a strength moving forward, considering it includes Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Alex Bregman. On the other hand, the roster has an enormous Dansby Swanson question, and Michael Busch's 2026 season was one of the biggest individual disappointments of the year. This is all while the Cubs' contention window is firmly open.

4 Cubs players who could be traded after Jed Hoyer teases significant 2027 roster changes

Regardless of what the new CBA brings room, the Cubs should have plenty of room to operate in free agency. They have over $100 million coming off the books this offseason, and that puts them in a good spot to spend on pitching staff. Free agency won't be the only method in which Hoyer looks to make changes to the roster, and there are several players who could be traded as part of that thought process.

Matt Shaw

If pressed, the Cubs probably don't want to trade Matt Shaw. As of now, he could very well be the team's Opening Day left fielder. But assuming the Cubs turn to the trade market in search of a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, Shaw figures to be included in those talks. Though, that is likely the only scenario where Shaw is traded.

Pedro Ramirez

Ramirez is in a pretty similar position that Shaw is in. If anything, just based on how the 2026 season ended, Ramirez may be closer to being off limits in trade talks than the former first-round pick. In the right deal, talking about a one of one starting pitcher, the Cubs likely wouldn't be opposed to trading Ramirez. Between Shaw and Ramirez, the guess is one of them will be dealt this offseason.

Kevin Alcantara

When Jed Hoyer was talking about potential options in the outfield next season, both Shaw and Ramirez were talked about as potential options. You know who wasn't? Kevin Alcantara. The writing has been on the wall that Alcantara has fallen out of favor with the organization and he will be out of minor-league options next season. Alcantara is a clear trade candidate this offseason.

Jordan Wicks

Considering the number free-agent pitchers the Cubs have this offseason, they likely aren't thrilled with the idea of trading from their thinning pitching depth, but Wicks feels like a candidate to be moved. The former first-round pick has become an up-and-down arm for the organization over the past two years. Like Alcantara, Wicks will be out of minor-league options next year and that likely seals his fate in Chicago.

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