Cubs rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid

Trading Kyle Hendricks might be the right move for the Cubs this year

This may not make much sense based on the rest of the list but hang in there Cubs fans. There is some method behind this madness. Losing Kyle Hendricks would crush dedicated Cubs fans as Hendricks has been nothing but loyal to the people of Chicago. He also has a $16 million club option for the 2024 season. So, what gives?

Well, Hendricks makes sense to trade whether the Cubs opt to sell or buy at the deadline. If they opt to sell, it’s clear that Hendricks has to go. He would net a decent prospect return as he is in the midst of a great season, going for a sub-3 ERA and a sub-1 WHIP. These are stats that any contending team would pay $14 million for. Starters usually net a good return on the trade market as well.

But if the Cubs opt to buy, could this still make sense? It absolutely could. The Mets, if they opt to buy, would likely go after another starter to fill in their rotation. His 3.56 FIP indicates that his ERA might end up closer in the 3 to 3.50 range for the season, instead of his current 2.60 ERA.

With Hendricks likely to net a good return and the Cubs not positive on if he would return to the team on his $16 million dollar club option, he remains a huge question mark on the trade market.