Thanks to a truly disastrous month, Cubs trade rumors are picking up as we approach the MLB trade deadline, but for all of the wrong reasons. The Cubs’ trade deadline plans this year will likely revolve around being sellers after playing their way out of contention during the latter part of June and the early part of July.
A Kris Bryant trade seems to be all but a guarantee at this point. He’s a free agent after the season and seems unlikely to re-sign with Chicago, especially after the way the Cubs played games with his service time early in his career. But he’s not the only player who the Cubs could look to trade before the deadline if they truly want to dismantle the team that won the 2016 World Series. After all, the Cubs have already traded Joc Pederson to the Braves, and more big-name players could follow.
Cubs trade deadline rumors 2021
In addition to Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez are also two star players who could be traded before they become free agents this winter. The Cubs remain hopeful to sign at least one of them to an extension rather than trading them. But that may not happen. On the pitching front, starter Zach Davies and closer Craig Kimbrel have also been mentioned amidst the latest Cubs trade rumors.
In other words, the Cubs trade deadline could be quite busy. But if the Cubs trade some or all of these players, where are they going to end up? Here are some predictions on the landing spots of Chicago’s stars.
Kris Bryant – Giants
There are plenty of teams that would like Kris Bryant, but he could end up in San Francisco. With Evan Longoria on the IL, the Giants need a big bat in the middle of their lineup.
Keep in mind that Bryant is versatile enough to play the outfield, so he can always move there when Longoria gets back. The Giants have the pitching to be a contender, but they might be one big bat short of winning another championship.
Anthony Rizzo – Blue Jays
Ultimately, the Cubs will try hard to hang onto Anthony Rizzo. But if he’s traded, look for him to head to Toronto.
The Blue Jays can mash, but they could use a left-handed hitter to balance things out. Rizzo is also a veteran bat on a young team and a defensive upgrade at first base that could allow Vladimir Guerrero to be a full-time DH. Plus, the Blue Jays look poised to be aggressive at the deadline and make a major addition.
Javier Baez – Yankees
One has to think the Yankees have had it with Gleyber Torres. They will probably look for a new shortstop on the free-agent market this winter with Javier Baez surely on their radar.
Why not trade for him this summer and give their lineup a boost for the stretch run? The Yankees could send Torres to Chicago, fittingly trading him back to the team that originally signed him out of Venezuela.
Craig Kimbel – Mets
The Mets need to make a splash, and with Edwin Diaz struggling, they might need a closer. Craig Kimbrel is still under contract for next season at a hefty price, but that won’t concern the Mets as much as other teams, which is why New York will pull the trigger on a trade.
Zach Davies – Padres
The Padres traded Zach Davies to the Cubs over the winter and now the Cubs will send him right back. With a couple of starters on the IL, not to mention Blake Snell and Chris Paddack both owning an ERA over 5.00, the back end of the San Diego rotation isn’t good enough to win the NL West. The Padres know what they’re getting with Davies, making them the most eager to trade for him.
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