Cubs’ first offseason trade might involve this former Angels' first-round pick

Among the early rumors from the GM Meetings this week was that the Chicago Cubs are in the market for a corner outfielder this offseason. Considering how willing the team is to let Kyle Tucker sign with another team this offseason, it has always felt that the Cubs were comfortable with their outfield outlook ahead of the 2026 season.

However, Marquee Sports Network's Bruce Levine added a tidbit that would seem to confirm the Cubs are looking for an outfielder this winter. Appearing on "Cubs 360", Levine made a connection between the Cubs and Los Angeles Angels' outfielder Jo Adell. Levine suggested that the Angels are looking to trade Adell for pitching, and the Cubs could be one of the teams they are speaking with.

What may have the radars turned up is that Levine mentioned some specific Cubs' pitchers that the Angels have interest in.

“The Angels are interested in young pitchers. Some of the Cubs’ younger pitchers — the guys like [Ben] Brown, the guys like [Jordan] Wicks — people like that would be of interest to the Los Angeles Angels.”

Jo Adell could be an example of the Chicago Cubs' front office taking advantage of an opportunity in front of them.

Notoriously, the Cubs don't discard an idea to add a talented player, even if there isn't a clear roster fit. Before the Seattle Mariners traded their 2018 first-round pick, Jarred Kelenic, to the Atlanta Braves after the 2023 season, the Cubs were believed to be among the teams considering a potential deal for the former top prospect.

At the time, the Cubs were looking to fill a void in center field. This time around, while the Cubs may not have a "need" in right field, they have to find a way to replace the offensive impact Tucker had during the first half of the season.

Adell would be a creative solution while allowing the Cubs to avoid spending top dollar for a reunion with Tucker or Cody Bellinger. A former first-round pick in 2017, Adell had been flirting with the bust label before 2025. Turning things around, Adell hit 37 home runs with Los Angeles in 152 games last season while posting a 112 wRC+.

Under control through the 2027 season, Adell would also give the Cubs a security blanket next offseason when Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are free agents.

The Cubs likely would want to hold onto Ben Brown, considering he still offers among the best swing-and-miss stuff of any pitcher on their staff. Jordan Wicks, on the other hand, seems to have fallen out of favor with the Cubs' organization, and it would make sense for him to be involved in trade talks this offseason.