MLB rumors: This Padres trade for 2 Cubs stars could net massive prospect return

The San Diego Padres have reportedly discussed a trade with the Chicago Cubs for both Willson Contreras and Ian Happ. Such a trade would net a large return for the Cubbies.

Happ and Contreras were expected to go to separate trade destinations, but any deal to the same organization could help increases the prospect capital involved. The San Diego Padres have such a farm system, and AJ Preller isn’t afraid to trade away said prospects.

Both Happ and Contreras could help the Pads win now, especially if they’re confident Fernando Tatis Jr. will come back strong and healthy from his motorcycle accident.

Both players are All-Stars, and are likely more realistic trade targets than Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals.

What kind of return could the Cubs expect if they deal BOTH Contreras and Happ?

MLB rumors: Cubs could land huge prospect package from Padres

Both Campusano and Wood are top-100 prospects. Wood is just 19 years old, meaning he has plenty of room to grow as an outfield prospect.

While two top-100 prospects would be a lot for just Contreras, despite the fact that he’s a catcher, adding in an All-Star in Happ and taking on Hosmer’s contract makes this more appetizing for the Padres.

Lizarraga is another intriguing international prospect. When he was signed, he was deemed one of the best pitching prospects in Mexico, and at just 18 years old has been called a ‘projection dream’ by scouts.

While Chicago could potentially negotiate a couple more top-20 Padres prospects into said deal, getting two of San Diego’s top-3 is a relatively massive return already. Contreras is on an expiring deal, and Happ is likely never going to have a higher trade value than he does right now. Chicago must take advantage.

Campusano is an obvious replacement for Contreras. The catching prospect is 23 years old and could be ready to start in spring training next year. Wood has a few years left in the minors but the fact he’s already a top-100 prospect is a great sign.