By: Jacob Zanolla
In a new article on ESPN.com, Jesse Rogers says, “they’re back to subtraction mode after losing a home series to Arizona.” This isn’t necessarily surprising, but it’s still infuriating and is another reason why taking a deeper look into the front office may need to happen once this season is complete. As I’ve mentioned before, the Cubs have yet to appear in the playoffs since Hoyer took over for Theo Epstein in 2021. Hoyer tried to take the Cubs through a “re-tooling” instead of a rebuild, but at this point it’s not working out at the major league level. On Monday afternoon Hoyer clarified that it won’t be a full sell-off, but instead trying to improve the team for 2025 and beyond. So, we’re selling once again. Who’s available? Who is untouchable?
Rogers mentions Hector Neris and Mark Leiter Jr. as possible names that can be moved from the bullpen, and I’ll throw Drew Smyly in that bunch as well. Neris has thrown eight straight scoreless appearances, so his market has gone from nothing to something rather quickly. Smyly is someone who can work in more of a long-relief role, and Leiter Jr. is appealing because if he’s doing well, he’s doing REALLY well. The bullpen has been a weakness this season, but lately they’ve actually been the best in baseball. Aside from the rumors, I have to wonder if Tyson Miller could be moved, but maybe the Cubs want to hang on to him.
Looking at the starting rotation, Jameson Taillon is the starter who I think has the highest likelihood of being traded, but I wrote on Sunday about how that’s not a great idea if we want to compete next year. Justin Steele is someone who has been reported as “available,” but people are not understanding that there’s a big difference between “available” and “being shopped” or “on the block.” I’d argue that almost every player should be available for the right price, that set price may just be more than other teams want to pay, which is fine. Teams listen on a lot of things, it would be silly not to.
Someone mentioned the possibility of trading Shōta Imanaga, but that would basically just be Hoyer digging his own grave due to the fanbase’s love for the southpaw. However, I do think it’s worth giving a look into. Imanaga is similar to Taillon and Steele in the fact that he will be impacting the team next season. He has been absolutely fantastic this year, so Hoyer could maybe sell high on him. I’d only be ok with this if we receive several top 100 prospects that are close to the majors, and even then I don’t think I can defend it. Still, something to consider.
The offense is tough because it’s been so bad, and therefore I don’t think we have many pieces to move. Ian Happ has been a bright spot, with a 125 wRC+ so far. I would have considered him a trade possibility, but Happ basically confirmed that he would invoke his no trade clause if dealt, so he’s here to stay. Seiya Suzuki would be an attractive DH for teams, but it doesn’t sound like the Cubs will look to move him either. Another reason I don’t see him being moved is because they just released the 2025 Japan Series promo, including Suzuki. This could easily mean nothing, but I also find it hard to believe they would trade Suzuki right after posting this video, leaving the team with only one Japanese superstar when they head across the globe next spring.
Cody Bellinger broke his finger after being hit by a pitch against the Astros earlier in the month, but that doesn’t mean he won’t get traded. He also has a very complicated contract, with two player options that will surely make teams hesitant before acquiring him. I don’t think a Bellinger trade is very likely, but if someone wants to upgrade their outfield with strong defense, someone who can also play some first base, and a strong bat, Bellinger would fit well.
Mike Tauchman has a 108 wRC+ and 1.0 fWAR, as a bench bat. With the plethora of injuries that have occurred he’s already up to 270 PA, but those are still impressive stats for someone that is supposed to just be a fourth outfielder. Like I said above, the Cubs have quite a few outfielders. Would Tauchman be someone to move? I’d say so, especially since he’s having one of the best years of his career. He’s the perfect fourth outfielder, who is honestly very serviceable as a third outfielder too.
The last name I want to mention is Nico Hoerner. Hoerner is my favorite player on the Cubs, so I’d be devastated to see him go. I wrote over on NorthSideBaseball about the possibility of moving Hoerner, and I don’t think it’s the worst idea in the world. Jon Morosi mentioned that the Mariners were interested in Hoerner, but we haven’t really heard anything since then. If someone needs a shortstop or second baseman who can play elite defense, with strong contact and speed as well, Hoerner might be their guy. He’s heated up as of late, with a .299 average and 109 wRC+ in July.
It’s probably become clear after reading this that the Cubs aren’t in a great position to sell. Is it smart for them to sell? I’ll dive deeper into that soon, but a short answer is yes, it is. The lack of “sell-able” players will make Hoyer’s job even tougher, but at this point we just have to trust he will do the right thing and prepare this team for 2025.
Picture credit: Axios
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