Chicago Cubs rumors: 3 potential trades to acquire Sean Murphy

The Chicago Cubs have a hole to fill at the catching position after losing Willson Contreras this offseason. There are a few good free-agent options, and the Cubs have been linked to Christian Vázquez. Although landing Vázquez would be a great signing, the Cubs should have a backup plan. With the weak backup options on the free-agent market, the Cubs should look toward a trade. We have recently discussed the possibility of Oakland Athletics' catcher Sean Murphy, and with the Athletics' willingness to trade their stars, it is not out of the realm of possibility for the Cubs to trade for him.

Murphy had a solid 2022 campaign as he hit .250 with 18 home runs and 66 RBI. These stats are not anything special, but as a catcher, they are above average. The catching position is the weakest offensive position in baseball, so anytime there is a chance to acquire a catcher that can contribute offensively, it should be seriously considered. Not only is Murphy good offensively, but he also ranks among the best defensively as well. In fact, Murphy was able to bring home the American League Gold Glove in 2021.

What makes the 28-year-old even more appealing to clubs is the control they will have over him. Murphy will be under club control for 3 more seasons. He is a fantastic two-way catcher, and no doubt will generate interest. The Athletics have already received interest for the star catcher actually. MLBTR name drops the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and other teams not named the Cubs. With Murphy's ability to contribute on offense and his solid defense, the Athletics most likely have a very high price tag. The Cubs have a strong farm system and have the pieces to acquire him. The only question here is whether or not the Cubs are willing to give away that much talent for Murphy.

A little disclaimer here: Ian Happ will not be included. The Cubs have been in talks to extend him, and after not trading him at the 2022 trade deadline, they should extend him. However, because he is an extension candidate, that might turn the Athletics off. The Athletics have not wanted to pay their players recently, and I do not see them wanting to pay Ian Happ. With that said, here are 3 potential trades the Cubs can make to land Sean Murphy.

Trade 1) Cubs trade Miguel Amaya, Owen Caissie and Ryan Jensen

The Cubs trading these three prospects could get the job done. At the moment, the Athletics only have one catcher on their 40-man roster. They do have Tyler Soderstrom awaiting arrival to the MLB, but Amaya would add an extra catcher that they need. The Athletics of course are moving Murphy, so they would be down a catcher. Amaya could fill that for them. The Cubs should have no problem parting ways with their 2015 international signing because of their addition of Murphy. The Cubs also have Moises Ballestros in their system. He is still a few years away from being ready, but the organization is high on his talent and it would Justify moving Amaya.

Ryan Jensen was just recently protected from the rule 5 draft by the Cubs. so they did not want to lose him that easily. That does not mean they will not trade him though. Jensen, 25, has a power arm that can reach the upper 90's. He has been a starter for the Cubs, but in 151 career minor-league innings, he has 84 walks. Other scouts outside of the Cubs think he is better suited for the bullpen. He has a minor league career BAA of .197 and averages more than a strikeout per inning. The Athletics could be more inclined to use him out of the bullpen to get the most out of his talent.

Owen Caissie is said to have some of the best raw power in the Cubs organization according to his scouting report. That is some high praise, and it could be the factor that gets the Athletics to accept this trade. Caissie's strikeout rate was a little high in 2022, but the potential is there. The Cubs have a surplus of outfield prospects, so losing one is not the end of the world, especially if it is Caissie and not some of their better outfield prospects.

Trade 2) Cubs trade Adbert Alzolay, Luke Little

Luke Little was drafted in the 4th round of the shortened 2020 draft. He is a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher that the Cubs used as a starter in 2022. He has been up to 105 mph on the gun but will sit 94-97. Little could benefit more out of the bullpen and might make his way to the big leagues faster that way. His scouting report says that is where he will eventually land. With his power arm, high strikeout rate, and ability to miss barrels, Little could be a very attractive prospect in a trade offer.

The key piece here is Adbert Alzolay. Alzolay was very good out of the bullpen when he came back from injury in 2022. Before that, he was used as a starter. Alzolay can be used for both, and it will be up to the Athletics to use him how they see fit. However, his fastball velocity saw an increase out of the bullpen, and his command was excellent. Alzolay might be someone the Cubs want to hold on to, but to get this trade done, he may have to be involved in it. A trade with Adbert Alzolay and Luke Little should be enough to get this done given their potential