3 most valuable players Cubs should trade away at the deadline

If there is any pitcher the Cubs could have on the trading block that could command them the most compensation in return, it would have to be closer Craig Kimbrel. In 31 appearances, Kimbrel has a blistering 0.59 ERA, an impressive 0.659 WHIP and 52 strikeouts in 30.1 innings pitched. He has 20 saves on the year, pitching about as well as he did in his peak days with the Atlanta Braves.

Kimbrel will be hitting free agency this winter. The Huntsville, Alabama native will be entering his age-34 season in the big leagues next year. With him pitching his best baseball since winning a World Series championship with the 2018 Boston Red Sox, no doubt Kimbrel is a major sell-high candidate for the Cubs. If they start to fade here, expect him to be traded by the end of the month.

Overall, what happens with Kimbrel in Chicago will decide if this Cubs team will be buyers or sellers. If he stays with Chicago to close out the rest of his contract, Chicago is all-in on trying to win a championship before blowing the whole thing up this winter. Should Kimbrel be traded, it means the rebuild will be starting earlier than expected on the North Side. He is the one to watch.

Kimbrel could be the biggest relief pitcher dealt in all of baseball within the next few weeks or so.