This isn't really an Earth-shattering development. Of course the Cubs would try and sell if everything went to hell in the first half and unlike 2017, the division should be harder to win this year. Yet, it does bring up the interesting question, who would the Cubs trade? Now, we're not talking about the Cubs completely blowing up the roster if everything goes to hell, or if they're just not as good as they thought in 2019. So, guys like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Willson Contreras and Javier Baez, along with Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana and just because of their contracts, Jason Heyward, Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood are not going to be dealt. If the Cubs do trade a few guys, they'll still be doing it while viewing 2020 and 2021 as seasons they'll be competitive in. However, there could possibly be a few fan favorites on the move if the Cubs do indeed decide to sell at the trade deadline. Here are five players the Cubs could possibly trade in 2019, if everything goes to hell. One common theme among the following players, they'll be free agents after 2019.
Cole Hamels
Who wouldn't want a veteran left-handed starter, with postseason experience? Hamels just showed that he can still be a difference maker in a playoff run and if the Cubs are out of it they'd be more than willing to dump the rest of his $20 million contract for 2019.Ben Zobrist
Another veteran with postseason experience and is still able to play multiple positions. Zobrist could give any team in contention a solid hitter for the final two months of the year. Plus, the Cubs already have a crowded infield, so if they're not competing, moving Zobrist would open up more playing time for some of the young players like Ian Happ and David Bote. Zobrist will make $12.5 million in 2019, and will then become a free agent.Brandon Morrow
Brandon Morrow is going to miss the first month of the season, but if he comes back and doesn't have any health issues, he could become a valuable trade piece in July. He has a $12 million team option, with a $3 million buyout for 2020.Pedro Strop
This one would hurt a lot. Pedro Strop has been so fun to watch since he was traded to the Cubs by the Orioles. He's been a steady reliever for the past six years and could be a top arm in the trade market for any team looking to get an edge for its bullpen.Steve Cishek
Just like Strop and Morrow, Cishek could become an attractive reliever for teams competing for a playoff stop. And really, guys like Brandon Kintzler, Brian Duensing and Brad Brach could all be made available too. By July, let's hope none of these are likely scenarios and the Cubs are looking to add instead of trade away veteran players.Comments
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