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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 trades Chicago Cubs should make

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Yankees win 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Yankees win 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Miller
Jun 6, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Anglels during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Full disclosure here, I realize that this trade is not particularly likely. The Yankees have seemed extremely hesitant to move Andrew Miller, reportedly insisting that the Cubs would have to give up slugger Kyle Schwarber in exchange for him.

That being said, the Cubs have a ton of interesting pieces who should entice Brian Cashman and company. If the Yankees are even willing to listen to anything else, Theo Epstein may get them interested in a major package like this.

Miller is arguably the single-best relief pitcher in baseball. Add in the fact that he is left-handed and under team control for two years after 2016; he is the perfect trade target for the Cubs this year.

Miller is an impact arm who would immediately come in and turn the Cubs’ bullpen from a clear weakness to an automatic strength. Miller would probably not have to be the Cubs’ closer, allowing Hector Rondon to keep his role.

A combination of Miller and Pedro Strop would give the Cubs an elite set-up duo to get to Rondon. The reason for the Cubs making a move for Miller is obvious. That being said, will they even get the Yankees to listen?

If they fall further out of the race by the end of July, I think it is possible. If the Yankees are truly open to moving Miller, then this is the kind of package that should entice them.

Jorge Soler has been inconsistent and oft-injured with the Cubs, but he is a legitimate right-handed slugger who has an extremely bright future. Gleyber Torres is a smooth and consistent shortstop, who is the top prospect in a loaded Cubs’ system, according to MLB.com.

Add in Candelario who we mentioned in the earlier Yankees’ trade, the lefty slugger Dan Vogelbach who would thrive at Yankee Stadium and solid Double-A pitching prospect Jen-Ho Tseng, and the Cubs have put together a package that should at least get the Yankees to listen.

The Yankees are going to get a ton of offers for Miller, and he is still unlikely to be traded. That being said, the Cubs would be wise to put together a strong package like this and see what they have to say.

This much is for sure, Miller is an impact pitcher who would immediately make the Cubs strong favorites.

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