Dodgers could offer Cubs perfectly-timed solution to looming Ian Happ farewell

At the very least, it seems likely that the Chicago Cubs will let both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki test the free-agent waters this offseason. Between the two, Suzuki makes sense for the Cubs to sign to a long-term deal, but he's positioned to be one of the best hitters available.

Even if Suzuki does return to the Cubs next season, there' the question of replacing Happ. Not to mention, as a whole, the offense could be without Carson Kelly, Michael Conforto, and Tyrone Taylor next season. Pitching is going to be the focus for the Cubs during the offseason, but they can't ignore the position-player side of the roster.

If the Cubs are going to make an addition of consequence to their starting lineup this offseason, chances are it will be in the outfield. That is where things get interesting for the Cubs, considering the rise of Josiah Hartshorn and Kane Kepley this season. Hartshorn and Kepley have both finished the 2026 season with Double-A Knoxville, and while it would aggressive for what the Cubs typically do, one of the two could find their way to Wrigley Field by the end of the 2027 season.

Not to mention, Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez could be options, and Ethan Conrad still figures to be involved in the long-term outlook in the outfield.

But given that the Cubs are in the middle of a contention window, it makes sense for them to look for a stopgap in the outfield for the 2027 season. While the free-agent market is thin, the trade market could point them in the direction of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Teoscar Hernández could give Cubs exactly the stopgap they need if they move on from Ian Happ

FanSided's Pat Ragazzo takes an early look at offseason trade candidates, and among the names mentioned is Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández. While the Dodgers doubled down on Hernández's role at the start of September, and he responded a resurgent month, conventional wisdom points to him being someone LA would be willing to move this offseason. Especially since Josue De Paula looks ready for an expanded role next year.

Hernández is owed over $22 next season, and carries a $15 million club option for the 2028 season. The option also includes a $6.5 million buyout. For a team that has a short-term need in the outfield with over $100 million coming off the books after the season, Hernández wouldn't be that crazy of an option for the Cubs.

The concern is that Hernández's resurgence this month could be a blip. Overall, his numbers have trended in the wrong direction over the last two years, and that could position him to be massively overpaid next season. Ultimately, that could be the reason why the Cubs steer clear of the veteran outfielder in trade talks. But if they are willing to take a gamble, this could be a move to watch for during the offseason.

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