CHICAGO – The dismantling of the Chicago Cubs is underway as it approaches MLB trade deadline Friday at 4 pm The Gardener Joc Pederson (Atlanta) and reliever Andrew Chafin (Oakland) have already been traded, but the team continues to employ a handful of players who could be moved in the next few days.
The list of those names includes those harvested on their farms Kris bryant Y Javier Baez in addition to the de facto captain of the team, Anthony Rizzo. And then there’s the sought-after closer Craig kimbrel and the preparer Ryan tepera, along with veteran starting pitcher Zach Davies, all players who will be free agents at the end of the season. In other words, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is a very popular guy right now.
This is where things meet those players as the Cubs’ current winning window approaches.
Craig kimbrel
In what could have been his last performance as a Cub, Kimbrel did what he has often done in his career, get into some trouble, and then slam the door in the opponent’s face. In a tied game with the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night, he allowed the first two hitters to reach base in the ninth before striking out the rest of the rivals. p>
His 0.49 ERA with just two blown saves has the best teams in baseball keen on a closer who has returned to All-Star form after a bumpy stretch in his career.
Where to go: Los Dodgers They might need it more than anyone right now. Going into Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles had allowed the second-most runs in the National League in the ninth inning or later. LA’s record of 1-10 in extra innings might be a bit misleading under the current rules, but it still tells us something. The closer Kenley jansen he has blown five saves this season, three since the All-Star break. If the Dodgers want to repeat as champions they will need an upgrade to the rear of their bullpen.
Other possibilities include Red Sox, Astros and Padres.
Kris bryant
After a great start to the season, Bryant cooled down in June but has recovered again. Since returning to the lineup after leaving a game last week due to hamstring fatigue, he has reached on base more than 50% of the time and posted a .304 / .400 / .500 offensive line in July. Bottom line: When healthy, Bryant is still a very dangerous hitter.
Where could I go: The Mets They lead a small group of teams interested in the versatile player. They have had scouts who have attended at least the last three Cubs series. The Rays have also been present, before and after their exchange for Nelson Cruz. A surprise team or two showing interest wouldn’t be that surprising given the fact that Bryant can play all over the diamond. Some believe that Giants they could be one of those teams.
Depending on where he goes, the Cubs could keep a large chunk of his remaining $ 6.5 million salary for a better prospect reward. Pittsburgh did something similar with Adam Frazier when they traded him to San Diego this week. That concept could also apply to a trade for Kimbrel.
There is also the possibility that Bryant will stay with the Cubs after the deadline, receive a qualifying offer, decline it, and the Cubs will end up with compensation that way. Industry sources have expressed mixed feelings about whether Bryant would stay or leave this month, but as the deadline approaches, the conversation has increased.
Anthony Rizzo
It just hasn’t been the best last year on his contract for the veteran first baseman, but he has shown some signs of coming off a season-long slump. Rizzo homered in consecutive games this week, and his OPS in July is nearing .800.
Where could I go: ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Cubs and Red Sox They have had discussions about Rizzo’s return to the team that selected him, but he will most likely stay with the Cubs until the deadline. Hoyer isn’t likely to give away one of the most popular Cubs of this era, and the potential payoff probably won’t excite many people.
Rizzo could also be extended a qualifying offer while the Cubs continue to negotiate a longer-term deal with him, if both parties are still interested.
“We have no idea what’s going to happen,” Rizzo said Monday. “It has been almost four years since [comenzó] all the talk. This could be it. We will deal with that when it happens. “
Javier Baez
There have been few trade rumors around Baez, with most of it speculating that he will be transferred and then play second base for a contending team. The idea of him going across town to play for the White Sox, who lost second base Nick madrigal for the rest of the season, it would make waves in Chicago, but there hasn’t been any real traction for it. Baez is having a typical season for Baez with lots of home runs (22) combined with lots of strikeouts (130).
1:20
Javy Baez ends the game with the deciding single in the bottom of the ninth, then gives an answer to Reds pitcher Amir Garrett.
Where could I go: Baez remains the best bet to stay where he is now and sign up long-term with the Cubs before hitting free agency in November. The parties were once close, just before the pandemic, and those discussions should start again after the trade deadline passes.
Others that could be changed
Reliever Ryan Tepera is getting a long look at scouts, with the White Sox, Phillies and Blue Jays present in recent games. Tepera played in Toronto for five years before joining the Cubs. Starter Zach Davies could be part of the arm race in the west. A return to the Padres, the team he played for last season, is not out of the question. The Dodgers’ uncertainty in their rotation could lead them to Davies, although he is only one player from the back of the rotation in a contender.
The gardener Jake marisnick and the reliever Dan winkler they are also good secondary additions for contenders looking to complete their rosters by the deadline.
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