Cubs first trade domino falls, and here’s who could be next

The Chicago Cubs traded reliever Chris Martin to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is the first of what’s likely to be many moves on the North Side.

With Daniel Bard having signed a contract extension with the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs having shipped Chris Martin to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the run on relievers at the MLB trade deadline appears to be in full swing.

Martin was the first of what will be many trade dominos likely to fall for the Cubs before next Tuesday’s deadline. Which player is most likely to be traded next?

Ian Happ or Willson Contreras will be the next Cubs player traded

We’re not going to see a repeat of last year on the North Side of Chicago; mainly because the Cubs don’t have nearly the same level of talent they did a year ago. Last summer, the Cubbies unloaded Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo, and Kris Bryant.

This year’s trade deadline will see a handful of Cubs players change their area code (unless they’re dealt to the White Sox), with Willson Contreras and Ian Happ being the two most likely be to traded.

Both Contreras and Happ have been heavily rumored for weeks to be on the move and the two shared an emotional moment during what was likely to be their final game at Wrigley Field earlier this week.

With David Peralta and Tyler Naquin changing teams earlier this week, Ian Happ is one of the better outfielders available at the trade deadline. The Toronto Blue Jays have expressed interest in Happ and would certainly be happy to at the former first-round pick to their roster.

Contreras has gathered the attention of multiple teams as the trade deadline approaches. The Giants have been mentioned as a possible fit and so have the New York Mets.

Despite trading Chris Martin, the Cubbies still have a pair of talented relievers who are also likely be traded at the deadline. Both Mychal Givens and David Robertson have been mentioned in trade rumors over the last few weeks as well.