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After a busy summer on the trade market last year, there is no shortage of Cubs trade rumors in 2022.
Chicago’s 2022 campaign has been a disaster, which means the Cubs trade deadline will be busy as the team looks to sell assets and continue to rebuild. The silver lining is that the Cubs have some of the best players available at the deadline, which is helping to drive the Cubs’ trade rumors in 2022.
Cubs trade rumors 2022
Oddly enough, the Cubs could be one of the most influential teams at the deadline because they have several trade chips who could become impact players in the pennant race. That doesn’t mean that all of them could be traded before August 2.
However, let’s look at some of Chicago’s most intriguing trade chips and who could be moved during a busy Cubs trade deadline.
Willson Contreras
Willson Contreras trade news has dominated the Cubs trade rumors in 2022 thus far. He’s one of the few players remaining from Chicago’s 2016 championship team, and since he’ll be a free agent this winter, it makes all of the sense in the world for the Cubs to trade him.
Willson Contreras was also an all-star this year and is the best player available on the trade market right now this side of Juan Soto. Since he plays a premium position, Contreras will be even more valuable.
In fact, the Cubs should be able to acquire one or two legitimate prospects in a trade for Contreras. That could give the Cubs trade targets to focus on, as they look for the right prospect who can help to accelerate their rebuilding process. The only question left is where Contreras will end up.
On paper, the Astros and the Giants would appear to have the biggest need with Houston always being motivated to make a big splash at the deadline. But the Mets could also be players while the White Sox, Guardians, Brewers, and Rays all have enough of a need to potentially throw their hat into the ring for Contreras, potentially driving up the price.
Ian Happ
With his first all-star selection under his belt, Ian Happ is someone who could work his way into the Cubs’ trade deadline plans. Not only is Happ having a strong season offensively but he’s also versatile defensively.
He’s played mostly left field this season, although he’s also a capable center fielder who also has experience at first base, second base, and third base. On top of that, Happ still has one more year of arbitration before free agency, so he wouldn’t be just a rental player. Of course, that gives the Cubs the option of keeping him for 2023, but it also drives up his price if there is a team that wants him.
In theory, any team that’s looking to upgrade their outfield will be looking at Happ. That describes several teams in the playoff hunt, although the Yankees are the most desperate for outfielders.
The Cubs and Yankees have had a good trade history, so the Bronx is a strong possibility if Happ is traded. The defending champion Braves are also in need of outfield help and could view Happ’s history as a second baseman as a bonus with Ozzie Albies on the IL. Of course, the Red Sox, Giants, Padres, Phillies, and Brewers could also benefit from adding an outfielder like Happ at the deadline.
David Robertson
David Robertson might be the most in-demand relief pitcher on the market this year. The 37-year-old not only boasts tons of experience in big games but he also looks as strong as ever while serving as the primary closer for the Cubs.
He’s still striking out batters at a high rate and has a WHIP just under 1.00. Even though he’s just a rental, the Cubs should be able to get a quality prospect for Robertson, especially since there’s likely to be a bidding war for him.
Virtually every team in contention will be looking for bullpen help at the deadline. However, the Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, Blue Jays, Giants, and Red Sox are most in need of a veteran reliever who can pitch late in games.
Mychal Givens
Outside of Robertson, Mychal Givens is one of the best relievers available at the deadline. Givens has been traded midseason in each of the last two years, so he’s accustomed to being a wanted commodity at the deadline.
He’s also pitched as well this year as he has at any point in his career. While Givens may not fetch the same price as Robertson, he’s a good fit for just about every contending team and should be a useful trade chip for the Cubs.
Chris Martin
By no means does Chris Martin project to be an impactful trade chip, but he brings something to the table. He’s made 13 postseason appearances with the Braves over the past two seasons, pitching to a 2.19 ERA.
Even if he’s not having his best season in 2022, Martin’s experience should draw plenty of interest. However, his market will be limited to teams just looking to add bullpen depth rather than acquire a late-inning setup man.
Drew Smyly
The high-end market for starting pitchers is a little limited this year, although the Cubs have a quality back-end starter like Drew Smyly. The southpaw has posted a 3.93 ERA over 12 starts this season, which should be enough for somebody to take a chance on him.
The Cubs may not get a ton in return for Smyly. But teams like the Blue Jays, Twins, Phillies, Cardinals, and Giants are all potential suitors
Yan Gomes
Contreras may not be the only catcher the Cubs trade this summer. At age 35, Yan Gomes can still be useful for a contending team in need of catching depth.
His offensive numbers leave a little to be desired but Gomes still has some pop.
He’s also played in the postseason a handful of times, so his experience and leadership could add value, even in a backup role. Gomes won’t have the same market as Contreras, but the Astros, Mets, Giants, and Guardians could all welcome additional catching depth.
