Chicago Cubs Rumors: Two CF Trade Candidates this winter

The offseason is in full swing. As the coming days approach, trade rumors will seriously start to heat up for the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball.

For the Cubs, it's a league-wide expectation that the club will have an aggressive approach this winter in regard to free agency. With several ties to Jose Abreu, a key shortstop and a front-line starting pitcher, the Cubs also have another need they must address and that is figuring out what to do about center field this winter.

After a miserable injury has threatened to cripple Alexander Canario's 2023 campaign. With recurring back issues for Brennen Davis, the Cubs will need to get clever in order to address their centerfield need. In the best-case scenario, Cody Bellinger winds up getting non-tendered by the Dodgers and the Cubs swoop in and offer him a deal in order to restock his value. We've already discussed the Cubs' flexibility in regard to these shorter deals and the ability to pay top dollar to get what they want.

The Chicago Cubs are expected to add a centerfielder this offseason.

Another option is Kevin Kiermeier. Kiermeir is a defensive-minded centerfield candidate and shouldn't be viewed as an addition to improve the offense. It would be nice to land some upside offensively here with the centerfield upgrade. However, a defensive-oriented approach works fine if the Cubs are planning to get aggressive with a shortstop, 1st baseman, and starting pitcher additions. The Cubs could hypothetically do all four including Bellinger if non-tendered.

Another option is exploring the trade market for that missing piece in the outfield without blocking your top outfield prospects. Let's look at 2 moves the Cubs could make to fill a hole for the coming year or two.