Solving the problem of an overcrowded outfield picture isn't as simple as it seems

Ride the roller coaster, y'all. After a huge chunk of the fanbase threw in the towel, a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, the toast of the American League, has rejuvenated hope among the Chicago Cubs faithful.

At least for the time being, it's put thoughts of selling again at the trade deadline on the back burner. But some of the ideas that were floating around need addressed regardless because they're not quite as cut-and-dry as fans made them out to be.

This isn't a roster that's built to sell. After all, the Cubs had an oft-stated goal of returning to the postseason in a full 162-game season for the first time since 2018. So how do you make impactful moves to shake things up when your most logical trade chips are a fourth outfielder, maybe a starter or two and some bullpen pieces?

You trade cost-controlled players. If you asked fans, prime candidates included a pair of outfielders in Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki (Cody Bellinger was also mentioned here, but even before the broken finger, his pair of player opt-outs made figuring how his trade value tricky, to say the least).

No-trade clauses likely mean Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki are staying put

The only problem here is that both Happ and Suzuki have no-trade clauses in their respective contracts. It was a major focal point for Happ in his extension negotiations with the Cubs last spring, all but guaranteeing he'll be in Chicago through the 2026 season.

Suzuki's deal also includes a full no-trade clause, making a trade unlikely, to say the least. The question facing Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins down the stretch in 2024 - and especially this winter - will be how to balance an outfield that's crowded with a crop of outfield talent knocking on the door.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is learning on the job at the big league level, with little else to prove in the minors. At Iowa, Owen Caissie and Alexander Canario (prior to being called up to fill Bellinger's roster spot) offer young options with big upside. Right behind them, Kevin Alcantara is looking to make his mark in the coming years, as well.

With Bellinger feeling more and more likely to return in 2025, it's hard to see how Hoyer shakes up this roster - or adds major star power to it - given how its constructed. To say the least, the challenge is steep, especially when you consider all the factors together like no-trade protection, player options and prospects on the rise.