Chicago Cubs Could Address Offseason Needs With One Trade
It's become an excruciating "wait and see" reality for the Chicago Cubs' offseason as they have made no impact moves after it was believed they would be super active.
No major free agent signings and no trade acquisitions have put the Cubs in a peculiar situation.
They know the holes on their roster and there are plenty of players that could address those needs. Two of the glaring positions they're looking for is a corner infielder at third base and an outfielder with power in his bat.
That's why Chicago has continually been linked to free agent third baseman, Matt Chapman, and are still seen as suitors for their former star slugger Cody Bellinger, who still hasn't signed a new deal with a team.
However, the Cubs could address both those needs in one trade.
According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the Minnesota Twins are listening to offers on their outfielder Max Kepler and infielder Jorge Polanco. They are looking for pitching help in return.
Interestingly, Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation had already mentioned this was a deal that Chicago might explore.
He alluded to how both could be intriguing options salary wise considering Polanco would cost $10.5 million in 2024 with a team option in 2025, and Kepler brings a price tag of $10 million this season before hitting free agency.
The left-handed slugger Kepler would meet the power need that the Cubs are searching for, but has also had a rollercoaster of a career. He did get back on track in 2023 with a slash line of .260/.332/.484, 24 home runs, 66 RBI and OPS+ of 121.
Polanco would be the interesting piece in this package because he's primarily played shortstop and second base during his career, something that would not occur in Chicago.
He's only played at third in 24 games across two seasons and has been a below average defender when there.
That could cause the Cubs to balk at this deal, especially considering the Twins would want talented arms in return.
So, this is certainly a situation to monitor, but it might not be one that is realistic to address some of their needs.
