MLB insider keeps Chicago Cubs fans' hopes alive for a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade

It's looking increasingly like a muted offseason lies ahead for the Chicago Cubs, at least when it comes to improving their offense. Reports have flat-out ruled them out of the deepest waters of free agency where Juan Soto resides and the trade market looks increasingly unfriendly with top target Brent Rooker seemingly not moving. Cody Bellinger's return has only given them less wiggle room both positionally and financially as they look to stay comfortably under the luxury tax. In other words, they'll have to get very creative to bolster a roster that has been stuck at 83 wins.

Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope regarding a game-changing trade target. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has long seemed like the perfect answer to the Cubs' troubles, especially after a 5.5 fWAR season in which he hit .323/.396/.544 with a 165 wRC+. He's also entering his last year under contract with the Toronto Blue Jays when he'll only be 26. Yet, the Blue Jays previously showed more interest in extending him than dealing him and Guerrero himself has made it known he wants to stay up North.

Just because a team indicates that a player won't be available doesn't always mean that will be the case when the rubber meets the road though. That's why Jim Bowden of The Athletic (Subscription Required) had Guerrero at the top of his list of fifteen players that could be on the trade block. While he's still firm in the belief that the Jays don't want to trade their star first baseman, he also has reason to believe that circumstances this offseason may make it a necessary evil:

The Cubs need to be in on Vlad Guerrero Jr. if the opportunity arises

Again, the chances are still low that a trade actually happens, but it should say something that Toronto and Guerrero have yet to hammer out a deal. His next contract could end up starting with a three, which would be a franchise record for the Jays to this point.

The urge to trade Guerrero might only grow, too, if Toronto doesn't like its chances going into 2024. They're expected to be an aggressive suitor for Soto after missing out on Shohei Ohtani last year, but if they whiff again, it becomes a little harder to justify keeping their centerpiece around if an extension isn't happening and their farm system needs reloading. Finishing 74-88 last season showed they need some serious fixes before they can hang with the Yankees and Orioles

There are a lot of hurdles and qualifiers to overcome to get there, but if that opportunity arises, the Cubs have to pounce. Guerrero is the caliber of hitter worth getting in the door no matter what with a career 137 wRC+. He'd be the big power bat the team needs, clubbing 30 home runs last year while still only striking out 13.8% of the time. It would be costly, but they have the capital to do it. If the Jays are hoping for a quick turnaround, the Cubs would be a worthwhile suitor, with six of their eight top-100 prospects nearly major-league-ready in Triple-A including top prospect Matt Shaw.

Even if chances are low at Guerrero moving, the report is at least reason to keep the radar up.