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MLB trade rumors: Top 25 trade assets for deadline

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) smiles while on deck during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) smiles while on deck during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (8) hits a two run home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (8) hits a two run home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Ian Happ

At some point, the Cubs are going to have to do something to relieve their organizational logjam at second base or left field. It helps that Javier Baez is so versatile and can play all over the infield. Same goes for Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist. Ian Happ is not quite so versatile, and appears to be a left fielder stuck playing second base for now.

Happ is a productive switch-hitter who has a solid swing from both sides of the plate. The Cubs called him up for his MLB debut on May 13 as they looked for a spark in the lineup. Happ has provided it in a big way with nine doubles and 10 home runs before his 150th MLB plate appearance.

It may be difficult for the Cubs to stomach trading Happ when he has been one of their best hitters since his promotion to the big leagues. Zobrist has looked old and is dealing with a lingering wrist injury. Happ could be a centerpiece in a trade for an ace — which the Cubs desperately need — but taking him out of the lineup would also sting. He may have more upside as a hitter than Baez. Theo Epstein will have to consider all his options before including Happ in a trade.

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