The Cubs should part ways with one star and ultimately repair things with another.
The Chicago Cubs have major decisions to make on three star players this year. Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, and Anthony Rizzo all need new deals in 2021, and Willson Contreras is on the horizon.
Keeping all four is likely not possible and it is time to think about trades. One player stands out as the obvious one to trade, while another is a clear key to the team’s future success.
Cubs should trade Javy Baez before the trade deadline
Baez made himself into a star back in 2018 by finishing second in National League MVP voting and making his first All-Star Game.
Things are off to a bit of a tougher start in 2021 as Baez entered Wednesday with 42 strikeouts and only three walks. He does have an .806 OPS, but is not looking like his former self that eclipsed the 6.0 WAR mark in 2018 and 2019.
Trading Baez becomes easier when considering young star prospect Nico Hoerner can slide in at shortstop with David Bote at second base. This keeps both shortstop and second base cost-controlled and frees up future money for another star.
Bringing up the idea of trading Baez only makes sense if things can be worked out with the best star of them all. The Cubs are now on a timeline to do so if they want to avoid potentially losing all three this offseason.