Fansided

5 players the Chicago Cubs should trade this offseason

By Brad Berreman

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 05: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs walks back to the dugout after striking out in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 05, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 05: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs walks back to the dugout after striking out in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 05, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Dylan Buell/Getty Images /

4. Addison Russell

Leaving aside his problems off the field, Russell simply has not produced for the Cubs this season (.227/.303/.389 slash-line over 76 games-229 plate appearances). Now he’s injured, in concussion protocol with no sign he’s close to returning.

Russell has mostly played second base this season, as the Cubs have had a lingering void there all season. That has allowed Javier Baez to continue to play shortstop exclusively, and he has set career-best marks in UZR (9.7) and Defensive Runs Saved (15) this year. Shortstop has also happened to be Russell’s best defensive position, though he’s been fine at second base this year (3.2 UZR). But when Baez went down with a fractured thumb earlier this month, the Cubs called up and installed top prospect Nico Hoerner at short.

Russell may simply need a chance of scenery in order to fully realize his potential. With two more years of arbitration eligibility left, there should be a team or two out there willing to provide one if the Cubs want to move on. And at this point their preference might be to move on, assuming a decent trade can be found.

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