Former Cubs top prospect Eloy Jimenez popping up in trade rumors

Before the White Sox' selloff began, a handful of names were mentioned as off-limits: Dylan Cease, Luis Robert, Andrew Vaughn and Eloy Jimenez. While all four remain on the South Side for the time being, we're seeing smoke around Jimenez who, along with Cease, was traded by the Cubs in the Jose Quintana trade back in 2017.

According to reports, both the Marlins and Brewers have expressed interest in Jimenez who, while battling multiple stints on the IL, has slashed .285/.328/.478 in 293 trips to the plate this year. Chicago is chasing Milwaukee in the NL Central, opening Saturday 4 1/2 games back - and are actually in pursuit of Miami, as well, in the Wild Card hunt.

Cubs Rumors: Injuries have always been the knock against Eloy Jimenez

For Jimenez, it's always come down to staying on the field. He's missed a considerable chunk of the season each of the last three years - never playing more than 84 games during that span. That's always been the knock because when he's on the field and at 100 percent, he's an elite power bat. But when you wind up missing at least half of every season with injuries, it really hurts your stock.

Not to mention he's a complete defensive liability in the outfield. Seriously, he's about as close to unplayable out there as you can get. At this point, the best bet for the White Sox or any team that might look to trade for him is slot him in at DH and just try to keep his bat in the lineup by keeping him out of the field defensively.

Obviously, either of these teams landing Jimenez could have an impact on the Cubs, especially if he winds up in Milwaukee, who could control him for two more seasons via club options on his deal. I'd hate to think of him mashing against Chicago for a division rival the next couple of years. Really, the White Sox have no reason to not tear this thing all the way down: but it'll come down to what teams are willing to offer for guys like Jimenez and Cease.