Pitchers and catchers have officially reported for Spring Training, and baseball season is underway. However, it is never too early to talk trades, and the Cubs have plenty of candidates to consider. Let’s look at who the Cubs have to offer as the season nears.
This post will focus mainly on the Major League talent the Cubs offer. Players will have one or two years left on their contracts. The Cubs do not feel they are rebuilding, but who knows how the season will play out. If the Cubs are struggling come July, they could be sellers.
Here are three players the Cubs could put on the trade block.
Hector Neris, RHP
The Cubs were able to snag Neris for a lower price than some of the other pitches are signing for. The Cubs were able to sign him for one year and $9 million dollars. That is a friendly contract for an excellent reliever. Neris had a career-best 1.71 ERA and 5.4 H/9 in 2023. He will significantly help the Cubs, but his friendly contract could easily make him a trade candidate.
Playoff teams continually look for relievers at the deadline, and the Cubs are not afraid to dish them out. Chicago has traded multiple pitchers over the past few years, including three this offseason. A team like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, or any team in the playoff hunt will be a perfect fit for him if the Cubs decide to trade Neris.
Drew Smyly, LHP
Smyly is not the most sought-after guy, but he could help some teams if the Cubs decide to trade him. Smyly has played the last two seasons with the Cubs, and he does have an option for 2025. With Chicago, Smyly has a 4.34 ERA and has made 45 starts in 63 appearances. He has been healthy and can be used as a starter and reliever. He will not be a big strikeout guy, but he knows how to get out.
Teams could be in the market for a guy like Smyly to come to the trade deadline later in the year. If Smyly can start 2025 well and prove he still has it, the Cubs will look to move him. It might be a fringe playoff team that looks to snag but keep on Smyly when the time comes to start trading players.
Mike Tauchman, Center Field
Tauchman has to battle for the starting spot in center field with Pete Crow-Armstrong. Now, the Cubs could look Tauchman’s way to begin the season, which would not be a wrong choice. Tauchman has a few arbitration years left on his contract, so there is a lot of team control with him. Tauchman slashed .252/.363/.377 with the Cubs last season with eight home runs and 48 RBI. Among players with at least 300 plate appearances, Tauchman ranked 17th in walk percentage, top-40 in OBP, and his out-of-zone swing percentage was 16th-lowest. Tauchman does not charge, and he gets on base.
Tauchman’s best fit would be with a team dealing with injuries. He will not be the best outfielder on the market, but he is a solid choice for a team that needs someone to play any outfield positions. The other reason he is a top trade candidate for the Cubs is because of the young players coming up. Crow-Armstrong was already mentioned, but the Cubs have another good outfielder in Alexander Canario coming up in 2024.
The Cubs could very well be buyers at the deadline, but if they are sellers, these are three players to watch as the season begins.
Main Photo Credits: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
