3 Chicago Cubs players who could be traded by Opening Day

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After an emphasis on free agency over the course of the first few months of the Major League Baseball offseason, there seems to be a belief that the Chicago Cubs will pivot to the trade market as they look to fill the remaining needs across their roster.

With the signing of veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer soon to be officially announced, it seems likely that the Cubs feel they are settled at the first base position with the addition of Hosmer and the emergence of first base prospect Matt Mervis. The Cubs addressed their need in the starting rotation with the signing of veteran Jameson Taillon. Shortstop Dansby Swanson solidifies the Cubs' middle of the infield and Cody Bellinger is an upgrade in center field.

The Cubs could still stand to add upgrades at third base, designated hitter, and in their bullpen. An upgrade for the Cubs at this point in the offseason is likely to come via trade and in doing so, there are three players that the team could move before Opening Day.

3 Chicago Cubs players who could be traded by Opening Day: Nick Madrigal

It remains to be determined what role Nick Madrigal will have with the Cubs in 2023. The signing of Swanson has shifted Nico Hoerner to second base and Madrigal is left without a starting position on the Cubs.

Madrigal has been injured for most of the past two offseasons so his trade value is not nearly as high as it was when the team acquired him from the Chicago White Sox in 2021 but is still young enough that a team could be willing to take a chance on him reaching his potential once healthy.

Sep 8, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Adrian Sampson (41) delivers / Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

3 Chicago Cubs players who could be traded by Opening Day: Adrian Sampson

The Chicago Cubs have assembled a plethora of arms that are capable of filling a Major League Baseball starting rotation. That has led to speculation that the Cubs may look to move one of those arms in an effort to improve another spot on their roster. If that is the direction that the Cubs are headed, the pitcher that could be moved is Adrian Sampson.

Sampson posted a 3.11 ERA in a tick over 104 innings pitched with the Cubs last season. Entering the season, it appears that Sampson may begin the season in the starting rotation though that could be dependent on what the Cubs' plan is for prospect Hayden Wesneski.

If the Cubs were sold enough on Wesneski's run at the Major League during the last month of the season, Sampson could be moved if the Cubs are in a position where they can have a significant upgrade made to their offense.

Oct 1, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) bats against the / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Until Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ signs an extension with the team, the chances will always remain more likely that the Cubs' All-Star left fielder will be traded as opposed to remaining with the team. Happ is in line to be one of the most sought-after bats in free agency next winter and the Cubs have yet to start any dialogue of consequence with the left-fielder regarding a potential new contract.

At the Major League Baseball trade deadline last season, the Cubs showed hesitancy in pulling the trigger on trades involving Happ and Willson Contreras as the team couldn't find the right deal. Contreras signed with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason and the Cubs were left with only a compensatory pick for their lack of decisiveness regarding the catcher's status with the team.

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The wise move for the Cubs would be to avoid a similar fate with Happ and move the left fielder if it becomes apparent that an extension can't be had. Trading Happ wouldn't have to mean that the Cubs are sellers, however, as a deal could net the team a player that is ready to contribute at the Major League level right away.

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3 Chicago Cubs players who could be traded by Opening Day: Nick Madrigal

3 Chicago Cubs players who could be traded by Opening Day: Adrian Sampson

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