Again, Russell was named as the big player headed to the Orioles in this trade scenario. Not really sure how the Cubs can be considered the most logical fit because of the lack of top-ranked prospects that the Orioles would also be asking for, but at the same time I doubt the Cubs would give up a lot for at the most the next six months of Machado. That's really the main issue here. Machado is going to be a free agent after 2018, and of course he's going to test the market. Sure, he could be swayed to re-sign with the Cubs while he experiences his time on the North Side in this trade scenario, but that's not a guarantee that he'd return. Let's assume the big deal here is Russell plus a few prospects for Machado. Yes, obviously the Cubs would greatly improve their offense, but then what? The pro is obviously getting another star player in the lineup and you'd hope he'd perform in the postseason. But again, that's not a guarantee either. Then, let's say, Machado signs elsewhere in free agency, which is the most likely bet, and the Cubs are left with Javier Baez as the shortstop. That's fine, Baez is amazing, but then the defense at second base is left to Tommy La Stella, Ian Happ and a 37-year-old Ben Zobrist, who will be in the final year of his contract in 2019. Sure, Russell has been a below average hitter since making his MLB debut in 2015, but steady elite defense at shortstop isn't a luxury teams are so willingly trading away. Plus, you get Russell's defense for another three years while he goes through arbitration and you still have the hope he reaches his complete potential. Plus, you know, the Cubs could not trade for Machado now, and then just sign him in free agency. If they do that, then they have all the chips to play with and could dangle Russell for any other need the team has. Anyway, this is fun to talk about but it's the Orioles, so I expect them to screw this entire thing up and only end up with a draft pick after not trading Machado this season.Some are, in fact, suggesting he just might be the first and most obvious trade candidate. And some see the Chicago Cubs as a perhaps the most logical landing spot in a trade
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