3 Cubs players whose no-trade clauses could complicate the offseason

3. Seiya Suzuki makes it two Cubs outfielders with a no-trade clause

Seiya Suzuki is another tricky case in the outfield logjam. If Bellinger doesn't opt out of his contract, he will likely be the everyday right fielder next year, or at least get the majority of playing time at the position. Right field did, of course, belong to Suzuki for the last three seasons, but Crow-Armstrong's emergence has made Suzuki the odd man out defensively.

This means that Suzuki will have to be the designated hitter most of the time, as he is one of the most effective hitters in the lineup. Suzuki leads the Cubs in batting average (.281), on-base percentage (.361), and slugging (.482) and has taken his offensive game to new heights since moving into the DH role full-time.

The reality of this situation is that the Cubs don't currently have room to add any of the power hitters hitting free agency this offseason, like Teoscar Hernandez, Anthony Santander or Pete Alonso. The no-trade clauses for Happ and Suzuki have backed the front office into a corner, where the only options for making room are moving Crow-Armstrong, one of the most promising young players in MLB, or Bellinger, who has an MVP-caliber ceiling.

I'm not saying I want Suzuki or Happ to get traded, especially because they were the club's best performers this year. It's just important to keep in mind what the front office has the ability to do on the offensive side this offseason. Keeping these no-trade clauses in mind, there isn't much flexibility outside of moving very talented players to make room for free agents. I expect the offense will look very similar unless Bellinger opts out, which is looking very unlikely.

Let's not overlook these honorable mention no-trade clauses

Shota Imanaga: According to Spotrac, Imanaga will receive a full no-trade clause if either of the club options on his current deal are exercised.

Jameson Taillon: Taillon has a 10-team no-trade clause with two years left on his deal. Whether this factored into the Cubs not trading him this year is unknown, but Taillon figures to be a mainstay in the rotation regardless.