Cubs' wildest Ronald Acuna Jr., Bryce Harper trade ideas get crushed from insiders' intel

With the Chicago Cubs expected to focus on pitching in free agency, there's been extremely loose speculation that the team could be in a position to trade for a corner outfielder. With suggestions that the Philadelphia Phillies could trade Bryce Harper, and the Atlanta Braves could shop Ronald Acuña Jr., it's created room for some fans to dream about wild possibilities.

It's far from the most likeliest outcome for the Cubs this offseason, and it's an idea that fans should probably discard immediately. During the latest episode of North Side Territory, The Athletic's Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma all but ruled out the Cubs making a trade for either superstar outfielder.

Cubs insiders waste no time crushing Ronald Acuña Jr. and Bryce Harper trade dreams

It's clear there once was a time that the Cubs were planning a future that included Harper. That was after the 2018 season. But, plans changed when Tom Ricketts essentially capped the spending of Theo Epstein's front office, leaving the Cubs with no room to pursue Harper when he last hit free agency.

Harper is now approaching the wrong side of 30, and on the back-half of a 13-year deal worth $330 million. Under contract through the 2031 season, there simply isn't scenario where the Cubs would entertain taking on the money. There would be a better chance of the Cubs re-signing Seiya Suzuki than trading for Harper. The only reason why the Phillies would possibly entertain the idea of trading Harper is to get from out of the money that's owed to him, something the Cubs won't be a lifeline for.

As for Acuña, it's actually easier to see the Cubs being willing to take on the money that's owed to him. He's making $17 million in 2017, and has a $17 million club option for 2028. That's not terrible money, but there's been no credible information suggesting that the Atlanta Braves are actually looking to move Acuña.

Even though the Cubs seem likely to lose an important piece in their starting lineup with Seiya Suzuki's potential departure, chances are the Cubs will be looking on the smaller scale to address their need in the outfield. There are a handful of veterans available in free agency that the Cubs could bring in on a short-term deal without spending heavily. Options like Taylor Ward and Trent Grisham should be what Cubs fans expect instead of lofty trades for a superstar like Harper or Acuña.

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