MLB rumors: Cubs set up for another devastating fire sale

The Chicago Cubs could be set up for another fire sale at the trade deadline — their second straight year trading away talent.

While it will be less dramatic than last year’s deadline, in which the Cubs traded away franchise stalwarts like Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javy Baez, there are more moves to be made this year.

Willson Contreras and Kyle Hendricks, two of the remaining players from the Cubs’ 2016 World Series team, could very well be on the move along with David Robertson and Ian Happ. Chicago isn’t quite embracing a rebuild as clearly as other teams, but the retooling is well underway.

Cubs trade deadline is sure to be a busy one

While some players refuse to be as open, reliever Rafael Ortega discussed the conflicting feeling of being on the trade block:

“I don’t just play for my team,” Ortega said, via The Athletic. “I also play for the other (29) teams that are looking and have scouts who are observing. If another team might be interested in me, it would be an honor for me. It would be something that I would be excited about. But I’m just taking care of my business, controlling things that I can, day in and day out.”

Players like Hendricks and Contreras, however, has more of a connection with the organization. They’ve conveniently remained quiet or by the book thus far. Manager David Ross commented on the professionalism involved in playing around this time of year.

“It’s always important to keep the outside noise out of the clubhouse, right?” Ross said. “Willson’s seen Rizzo and the KBs and the Javys go through all that stuff. When you have that experience of knowing there’s really nothing you can control, you come in and do your job. I don’t think there’s a whole lot that I need to say or needs to be said. Guys come in every single day and (stay) professional. That’s part of the job.”

The Cubs are on pace for nearly 100 losses. If there were ever a time to sell hard, it’s now, when the team has no prospect of making the playoffs.

Odds are, Jed Hoyer and Co. will take that approach.