MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

Chicago Cubs: Ian Happ

We just touched on the Red Sox, a team that has been more than happy to trade away their top prospects for established MLBers. The Cubs are at the opposite end of the spectrum. For the most part, Theo Epstein has been reluctant to make a big trade that would draw from his deep pool of talented prospects. The trade for Aroldis Chapman involved Gleyber Torres, whose path to the big leagues in Chicago was blocked by multiple players.

The massive stockpile of young talent has the Cubs positioned well to make a big trade for a starting pitcher as the trade deadline approaches. Ian Happ joins Ben Zobrist and Javy Baez in providing depth at second base in the big leagues. There are only so many at-bats to be split among the trio, and Baez and Happ both cannot be Ben Zobrist 2.0. Baez is the better defender between he and Happ.

The Cubs need a spark offensively. Happ provided it initially, but has struggled after making his debut in the middle of May. He has 20-20 upside thanks to his deceptive speed and strong approach at the plate, but projects as an outfielder rather than an infielder. Chicago simply has too many outfielders to envision Happ fitting in perfectly with the long-term vision. Epstein and Jed Hoyer have picked their spots carefully when it comes to dealing away prospects, but their hand may be forced this summer if the club continues to flounder.