Chicago Cubs Rumors: Three players that could be traded

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The Chicago Cubs are expected to be active this Major League Baseball offseason as the team has the goal of returning to contention in 2023 after missing the postseason in each of the past two seasons. The Cubs have money to spend this offseason and that is why the team has cast a wide net in the early parts of free agency. Over the past month, the Cubs have been connected to each of the top four free-agent shortstops; a former National League MVP in outfielder Cody Bellinger; a former American League MVP in first baseman Jose Abreu: and, a standout Japanese starting pitcher in Kodai Senga.

The needs are plenty for the Cubs this offseason as the team has question marks at the second base position, third base position, first base position, centerfield, catcher, and their pitching staff. Considering the vast needs that the Cubs have this offseason, it stands to reason that the team will also look to the trade market for improvements as well.

While the Cubs' prospect depth has taken a hit in recent months due to injuries to Alexander Canario, Brennan Davis, and Miguel Amaya; the team still has talent at the Major League level that they could move under the right circumstances.

Three players the Chicago Cubs could trade: Nick Madrigal

2022 was another season in which Nick Madrigal struggled to stay healthy as the second baseman was limited to 59 games. In those 59 games with the Cubs, his first season with the team, Madrigal posted a wRC+ of 70 with a slash line of .249/.305/.282/.588.

If the Cubs are able to land one of the free-agent shortstops this offseason, that move will force Nico Hoerner over to second base. Under that scenario, Madrigal would seem like an ideal trade candidate for the Cubs.

Philadelphia Phillies v Chicago Cubs / Nuccio DiNuzzo/GettyImages

Three players the Chicago Cubs could trade: Patrick Wisdom

Patrick Wisdom will be an interesting case study for the Cubs this offseason. Wisdom continued to prove that his power indeed plays at the Major League level as he hit 25 home runs for the Cubs in 2022. The 25 home runs were a followup on Wisdom's rookie year in 2021 when he hit 28 home runs. For a team, that is in need of increased power this offseason, keeping Wisdom does make some degree of sense for the Cubs.

The issue for Wisdom is that outside of his power, he doesn't really offer any other value for the Cubs. Wisdom posted a wRC+ of 104 in 2022 with a slash line of .207/.298/.426/.725. Wisdom also doesn't provide defensive value for the Cubs as he had negative values at each position he played at during the 2022 season.

With a batting average under .200 against right-handed pitchers last season, Wisdom likely projects as a platoon option for the Cubs at third base. The Cubs could also continue to play Wisdom at first base but their pursuits of Jose Abreu, Josh Bell, and Trey Mancini would seem to suggest that the team has other plans for the position. If the Cubs are able to land a free-agent first baseman and one of the free-agent shortstops, moving Wisdom this offseason becomes a realistic possibility.

Three players the Chicago Cubs could trade: Ian Happ

Ian Happ is entering his final season with the Chicago Cubs before reaching free agency next offseason. Happ had a breakout season with the Cubs in 2022 as he earned National League All-Star and National League Gold Glove honors for the first time in his career. Offensively, Happ posted a wRC+ of 120 in 641 plate appearances last season while posting a slash line of .271/.342/.440/.781.

For the Cubs, the question will be whether or not they feel Happ's 2022 production is sustainable. Happ did drop his strikeout percentage by 6%, down to 23.2% from 29.2% in 2021, but his BABIP of .336 last season did indicate that they may have been some amount of luck involved with his offensive performance.

Next. Three under-the-radar Free Agents for the Cubs to target. dark

What is important to emphasize is that the Cubs would not be moving Happ for the mere purpose of not wanting to risk losing him for nothing at the end of the 2023 season. The Cubs are expected to return to contention in 2023 and there is a case to be made that keeping Happ helps the team achieve that success. However, if the Cubs have an opportunity to trade for a potential top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher that is under team control for multiple seasons, Happ is likely going to be one of the first pieces involved in the trade.

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Three players the Chicago Cubs could trade: Nick Madrigal

Three players the Chicago Cubs could trade: Patrick Wisdom

Three players the Chicago Cubs could trade: Ian Happ

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