Fansided

5 sort of realistic but unlikely trades that would be shocking if they happened

By Matt O'Leary

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 30: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets reacts in the dugout against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on June 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 30: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets reacts in the dugout against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on June 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 08: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs watches from the dugout as his teammates take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on June 8, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Pirates 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 08: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs watches from the dugout as his teammates take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on June 8, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Pirates 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

4. Kyle Schwarber to the Athletics

Before all of Chicago jumps down my throat can I explain myself, please? As you likely know, Kyle Schwarber doesn’t have a position. Yes, he plays left field but he’s a butcher in the outfield. Like really bad.

See Exhibit A from Game 4 of the 2015 NLCS:

Schwarber’s a DH. If Rob Manfred implemented the DH in the National League, a good idea but an argument for another day, then there’s no reason to trade Schwarber. Since Schwarber’s a bad fielder, and they can use a closer with Brandon Morrow on the shelf it’s something the Cubs might have to do.

Here’s how both the A’s and Cubs can help each other long-term and for right now:

Let’s start with the Cubs. They land a closer that can help out while Morrow is injured for this year with two more years of control. Treinen has a 0.94 ERA with 24 saves. Let me say that again 0.94 ERA! That’s insane.

Then Jorge Mateo, who the A’s got in the Sonny Gray deal, is a versatile prospect who can play either in the infield or outfield. Finally, Jesus Luzardo has a 2.16 ERA in A and AA this year and in his career has a 1.99 ERA in the minors as a starter. That can help the Cubs starting pitching needs in 2019.

For Oakland, they get a big lefty to fill the DH role. Scwarber has three years of arbitration before he’s a UFA so that should give the A’s a little bit of a window to work with. Kris Davis goes back to left field, and Scwarber goes to his natural position of designated hitter. It’s a win for everyone.

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