5 Chicago Cubs players that are going to be dealt before the July 31st trade deadline and 5 players that will take their spots on the roster
1. James Russell: He is the most obvious one to me that will be traded before this deadline. He seems to fallen out of the helping this team moving forward group and into the trade discussion. I was not that convinced that he would net anything substantial until the Hudson Street trade now I am thinking a high-risk raw prospect could be the realistic net for Russell.
Taking his spot: Zac Rosscup is the guy that will take Russell’s spot. The Cubs are going to need a lefty out of the pen and I think he will get the first chance to be a lefty specialist.
2. Nate Schierholtz: Here is a guy that Theo and Jed may have misread when it comes to trade value. It seems the FO may have whiffed on getting max value for Nate last year but he still provides value for a team looking for a defensive left-handed hitting OF with some pop. To me the Tigers are a perfect fit here as are several other teams looking to strengthen their bench.
Taking his spot: Jorge Soler is the guy and I hear the cheers already! Now there are reports he will be called up in September but how he has been playing and the status of his contract makes him an easy call up after Schierholtz is dealt.
3. Emilio Bonifacio: I thought he may have gotten the Cubs some really nice pieces before his injury but now I think he may have right around the same value as Schierholtz or maybe a little more considering speed and versatility. No way he is not traded by the deadline to a contending team. Guys like Emilio are at a premium for playoff teams.
Taking his spot: Javier Baez gets the call. The guy has been hitting about as well as you can be and to me the move to 2nd base has already stated the Cubs front office is ready to give Baez a chance at the ML level this season.
4. Wesley Wright: I have to admit I was not a fan of the signing and thought “how could he be a flip able piece?” Well I was wrong and actually think now he could get a better return than James Russell.
Taking his spot: Kyuji Fujikawa is most likely the guy. He has been working his way back to the majors and the timeline just seems to be perfect.
5. Edwin Jackson: Edwin Jackson will be traded before the end of the season but I even think he is moved before the deadline. With the return the Red Sox got for Peavy it is no doubt that pitching right now is at a premium even for guys that have even struggled this year. This is good news for Edwin Jackson and the Cubs alike. Rumors have been circulation that the Yankees still have some interest but other clubs are kicking the tires such as the Orioles and Blue Jays. The return will be small for Ejax but the spot on the roster combined with the salary relieve maybe enough to get him dealt before July 31st.
Taking his spot: Dan Straily gets the nod. I think the Cubs have already seen enough Chris Rusin and Dallas Beeler so I think Straily gets a crack at the rotation next. While he has not pitched well for Iowa I think he is the next logical choice.
Guys on the rumor mill that will not get traded:
Travis Wood
Jake Arreita
Luis Valbuena
Guys who maybe traded after the deadline:
Ryan Sweeney
Justin Ruggiano
Chris Coghlan
Carlos Villanueva
Until Next Time…
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