The Chicago Cubs have some tough decisions to make, including trade calls from president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer.
The Cubs bought at this season's MLB trade deadline, which was a stark contrast from years past. However, this offseason could be a different story depending on how this team finishes the campaign.
Hoyer isn't afraid to make tough choices — he helped trade away Kris Bryant, Javy Baez and more — and he may have to deal some of the Cubs current core come winter.
If Hoyer is smart, he'll balance making savvy free-agent additions while also trading from positions of strength. This will allow Chicago to keep some of its top-tier talent around, and add at positions of need.
Cubs trade to make: Marcus Stroman, if applicable
Marcus Stroman has a rib injury and is out until further notice. If anything, the Cubs ace is taking things week-to-week, which puts the former trade deadline target in an intriguing spot with his contract. Stroman has a player option after this season, meaning he could choose to opt out and become a free agent in a relatively weak pitching market. Had Stroman not gotten hurt — and if his numbers hadn't taken a slight downturn after the All-Star Break — he would've been an opt out guarantee.
Instead, Stroman has some questions to ask himself. If he fails to rebound from this injury, he could be better off opting in to his deal, which would guarantee him over $20 million. Should he opt in, Chicago should consider trading him with a year left on his deal. Simply put, Stroman leaving the north side of Chicago seems more like a when, rather than an if.
Why risk losing him for nothing?
Cubs trade to make: Yan Gomes is an intriguing asset
Yan Gomes is having one of the best seasons of his career at the plate. He also has a $6 million club option that the Cubs could use to ensure he remains on the roster next season. But do they really need him?
Either way, Chicago would be wise to use that club option, and perhaps make Gomes a trade piece. Catchers are always valuable on the market, especially one outplaying his contract.
It should be noted that the Cubs DFA'd Tucker Barnhart on Saturday, which should lead to more playing time for youngster Miguel Amaya. The former top prospect is raking at about the same rate as Gomes, but has far more promise. If the Cubs trust him defensively behind home plate, then why not trade Gomes while his value is highest?
Amaya received the ultimate compliment from veteran starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks in late June, per The Athletic:
"He sees the hitters perfectly," Hendricks said. "He knows what they're trying to do, whether they're getting on the plate, getting off the plate, certain things like that. He just sees the game. He's going to be great for a long time."
Trading Gomes away to give Amaya the starting job makes sense, and would free up some money to sign a backup catcher at half the price.
Cubs trade to make: Kyle Hendricks
Depending on the starting pitching market in free agency, it could be wise for the Cubs to use their club option for Kyle Hendricks, which would pay him $16 million. Hendricks value is somewhere in the $15 million to $20 million range at his best. So far this season, he has an ERA of four. If those numbers hold up or even improve some, Chicago could trade Hendricks in a market that is sure to be hungry for reliable starting pitching.
Chicago opted to hold on to Hendricks at the trade deadline, as they did the majority of their assets, in hopes of making a playoff run. If they fail to make the postseason, then what's the point of holding onto the longtime Cub?
The Professor has been one of the longest-tenured Cubs on the roster. He's a fan favorite in Chicago, but has struggled to stay healthy the last few years. Trading him while his value is high for a younger replacement, or to replenish the farm system, makes sense.
Hendricks has taken a step back in his last few starts, but he's a bit of a modern marvel. In a league that is increasingly reliant on high velocity, Hendricks is part of the old guard. He knows how to pitch, rather than throwing balls by hitters.
"Being a guy coming through the minor leagues who was not a heavy fastball kind of guy, Kyle was somebody that I could look at as a roadmap to how I could have success," Cubs teammate Mark Leiter Jr. said. "To get the opportunity to be his teammate and get a close look at the preparation and the work that he puts in — when you've already been an admirer from afar — is a privilege."
Still, Hendricks clock is ticking. Now could be the time to part ways.
Cubs not to trade: Cody Bellinger
If Chicago is lucky, they'll be able to agree to a long-term extension with Cody Bellinger this offseason. Bellinger has found his stroke, and is starting to resemble the MVP-caliber player he was in his prime with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That's incredibly valuable, which is why he was mentioned as a trade candidate around the deadline. He also has a mutual $12 million option this offseason.
There's no chance Bellinger hangs around for that price, especially on a free-agent market that is lacking true sluggers. A natural fit for Bellinger would be the Houston Astros, among others, as he can play first base or a corner outfield spot.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale put a price on Bellinger's next contract, and it could be a little out of Hoyer's price range:
"He's had a big year, so I would think that there will be a massive price tag on him, over $100 million. So I think he's going to be sitting out until next February, signing right around spring training… I wouldn't be surprised if they ask for at least $150 million."
Yet, with Chicago's window opening, Bellinger is the kind of player they should keep around. He has positional flexibility and offers tremendous power at his best. Assuming he has made the right adjustments to guarantee this level of production carries over to 2024 and beyond, trading Bellinger is not an option.
