4 Cubs who could still be traded after non-tender deadline passed

With the non-tender deadline in the rearview mirror, the next big event for Major League Baseball is the Winter Meetings in December. The week of Thanksgiving often doesn't offer much in terms of actual moves, though the Texas Rangers and New York Mets made their best effort to change that with the trade of Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo. A move that could give Kyle Tucker another option in his post-Chicago Cubs future.

It was an uneventful non-tender deadline for the Cubs, electing not to tender a contract to catcher Reese McGuire and relief pitcher Eli Morgan. Justin Steele and Javier Assad were tendered a contract, but as the Cubs head toward the Winter Meetings, several players remain trade candidates this offseason.

The seat on the trade block is only getting warmer for these Cubs players.

As much as some want to say that Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki could be on the trade block for the Cubs, moving either of those outfielders doesn't make much sense for the team, considering their offense is already losing Tucker. For these players, they could be on the trade block, either because of a diminished role moving forward with the Cubs or as a chip to help the team land a cost-controlled starting pitcher.

Javier Assad

Yes, the Cubs tendered Assad. Yes, the Cubs need pitching depth across the organization, and given the minor-league options, Assad checks that box. Still, it seems that when faced with a decision between Assad and another option for the Major League pitching staff, Assad is almost never the choice.

Assad was left off the Cubs' playoff roster, and after the team has already added Phil Maton, if they add another high-leverage relief pitcher and top-of-the-rotation arm, Assad seems to be a clear trade candidate.

Kevin Alcantara

As the Cubs prepare for life after Kyle Tucker, it seems clear that they are ready for Owen Caissie to have a spot in the starting lineup, and Seiya Suzuki seems to be on track toward returning to right field. Kevin Alcantara seems to have lost his top-prospect shine, and if the Cubs are intent on finding a starting pitcher via the trade market, Alcantara is surely to be included in the deal.

Jordan Wicks

Not to the extent that Javier Assad has, Jordan Wicks seems to have fallen out of favor with the Chicago Cubs' organization. Wicks was nothing more than an up-and-down arm for the Cubs last season, and feels like a prime candidate for a change-of-scenery deal this offseason.

James Triantos

The Cubs opted to add James Triantos to their 40-man roster this offseason, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft in December, but it's hard to map out Triantos' path to the Major League roster. Triantos' offensive regression at the Triple-A level doesn't make him a clear bench candidate to open the season with the Cubs, and he doesn't seem to be an ideal replacement for Nico Hoerner if he were to leave via free agency next offseason. Triantos may be one of the final prospects added to a trade that the Cubs make this offseason.