Chicago Cubs Rumors: MLB insider predicts blockbuster trade

Chicago Cubs: The cost to acquiring Rafael Devers

Circling back to the idea of Cubs prospects needing to gain a little more value, that could all be null and void if the Cubs included the right MLB talent in the deal. Assuming Boston is not in contention, they won't be looking to acquire players nearing the end of a contract.

Devers, though he will come with an exorbitant price, whether via trade or free agency, checks all the boxes of a superstar player that Jed Hoyer needs to be circling like a hawk. As for a trade package, with recent injuries to Alexander Canario and Brennen Davis, the Cubs are stuck in the middle regarding tradeable talent that is of the value necessary to peak Boston's interest.

You could include Cubs' top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, but the odds are that Chicago will hold onto him as long as possible. After that, we know the Cubs want to hold onto and develop their top arms as home-grown pitching becomes ever more vital in today's game. Essentially, should the Cubs preserve their desire not to move any of their top names, the next group of available talent may only be of interest to Boston if they rapidly excel further in the first half of 2023.

If Hayden Wesneski continues to excel in his rookie year throughout the first half, with his years of team control ahead of him, he's far too valuable to move unless you are confident you are getting Devers with the understanding that you are extending him immediately.

In the best-case scenario, talks between Devers and the Red Sox further stall, and Boston has no choice but to wait until the deadline to move him. Should negotiations fail, Boston inadvertently substantially lowers the value of their all-star in terms of another team only receiving half of a season of his services as opposed to the whole year if they were to move him now.

Chicago adding Devers to their lineup should be priority number one, regardless if they are winning or losing at the deadline. If prospects are ready to be packaged and you can land a perennial MVP candidate, you do it. The Cubs have been forthright about winning baseball games this season, but they are believed to be a potent bat and ace-caliber arm away from genuinely competing. If made available, the fit is too perfect for Jed Hoyer and the company to pass up.