Cubs News: Surprising Cody Bellinger trade idea, Garrett Crochet trade, Isaac Paredes

While the Chicago Cubs are not involved in the free-agent sweepstakes for Juan Soto, his decision will likely have a trickle-down impact across Major League Baseball.

With the Winter Meetings set to begin on Monday, ESPN's Jeff Passan suggests that Soto will make his decision before then.

As was the case last offseason, once Soto signs, that should open up a flurry of activity across Major League Baseball. For the Cubs, that likely means a trade of Cody Bellinger will likely take place at some point next week.

Chicago Cubs News: Cody Bellinger trade may solve Cubs' catching need

The Cubs' efforts to trade Cody Bellinger will likely amplify at the Winter Meetings next week. Assuming Soto signs before Monday, chances are that Bellinger will no longer be on the Cubs' roster by this time next week. While there has been some concern that a trade of Bellinger would be a pure salary dump, the latest rumor might confirm that the Cubs are using a Bellinger trade to address other areas on their roster.

The Rangers' catcher is under team control until 2027 and would be a more definitive answer at the catcher position for the Cubs than Miguel Amaya. Jonah Heim, a plus-grade defender at catcher, is coming off a down offensive campaign in 2024. Heim slashed .220/.267/.336/70wRC+ with 13 home runs last season.

Chicago Cubs News: Cubs' front office enamored with Garrett Crochet

It seems that the Chicago Cubs are at the center of the Chicago White Sox's efforts to trade starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. Adding to the initial report, Matthew Trueblood of Northside Baseball reports that the Cubs are "enamored" with Garrett Crochet and are "definitely interested" in the White Sox ace.

While we're on the topic of a Crochet, there seems to be reservation among Cubs fans regarding a potential trade. If you are concerned about the Cubs trading for Crochet because of how the Jose Quintana trade played out, you are part of the reason why the front office has been complacent since 2018. Crochet is far from the pitcher Quintana was and is on the ascent as one of the best starting pitchers in all of Major League Baseball. For a team trying to close the gap to being a 90-win team, the addition of Crochet helps that cause in a major way.

Chicago Cubs News: Isaac Paredes could be a surprise trade candidate

It's probably more likely than not that the Chicago Cubs want to keep Isaac Paredes and have him at third base for a full-season but that preference won't keep them from potentially seeing what Paredes' trade value could be. The Cubs are having trade talks with the Mariners, with Seattle seeking a third baseman, Paredes could be a potential candidate if the teams are talking about variations of a potential deal.

A trade of Paredes would open third base for top prospect Matt Shaw. Shaw's offseason work continues to suggest that he will be ready for the Major Leagues in 2025.