Chicago Cubs Rumors: Grading reader submitted trade ideas

The Cubs have clearly identified the shortstop position this offseason as the position they can target in order to improve their overall offensive production for the 2023 season. Acquiring a shortstop that represents an offensive upgrade to the team's starting lineup would allow the Cubs to shift Nico Hoerner over to the second base position and ensure the Cubs' middle infield tandem is in place for years to come.

Torres was once a top prospect in the Cubs organization before the team completed a trade with the New York Yankees in 2016 after the team identified closer Aroldis Chapman as the pitcher they needed in their bullpen during their run to the World Series.

Torres debuted with the Yankees at the Major League level in 2018 and posted a wRC+ of 121 and 125 in each of his first two seasons. Torres' 2019 season also saw him hit 38 home runs for the Yankees. After regressing in 2020 and 2021, Torres appeared to get back on track with the Yankees in 2022. Torres had a slash line of .257/.310/.451/.761 with the Yankees last season while posting a wRC+ of 115. Torres' power also returned in 2022 as he hit 24 home runs.

Adrian Sampson was a success story for the Cubs in 2022 as he posted a 3.11 ERA in 104.1 innings pitched. With the Cubs having a need for starting pitching off-season, trading Sampson does not make complete sense unless the team has already added a starting pitcher or two to the fold for 2023. If so, then Sampson certainly becomes an intriguing trade piece for the Cubs and their efforts to improve this offseason.

Grade: C -- The Cubs can add a top-tier shortstop through free agency this offseason and trading Sampson for a lesser shortstop in Torres would be a disappointment.