Cubs 2020 Current Roster Rumors

So many things to cover here, extensions for the 2016 core, large contracts possibly being moved, potential free agent targets, and of course trade rumors regarding the 2016 core. While Jed and Theo advised us all to "take the rumors with a mouthful of salt" the rumors obviously come from somewhere. It will be a tense time on the Northside but when you don't meet expectations, something has to give.

Cubs Trades/Extensions

Willson Contreras

The rumor that shook the core of every Cubs. The beloved Willy Contreras on the block. The energy and heart of the Spanish Cubs wearing another uniform.

I, for one, will offer myself as tribute to save the beloved back-stop of the Cubs. I cannot imagine the best Catcher in baseball wearing anything but Cubbie Blue.

BUT. The trade could make some sense. First, the Catcher market is awful this year (per usual) and the Cubs could get a haul back. Outside of Grandal, who figures to get a pretty hefty contract, no one of real note. Secondly, Willson has 3 years of team control left as he enters arbitration. If they can't get a long-term deal done this off-season might be the time to make a move. And finally, the push of Caratini and Amaya is hard to ignore. With other long-term deals to get done teams are always looking for ways to get younger and cheaper. If the Cubs can flip Contreras with Caratini (who took a major step up last season) and top prospect Amaya, they have one less contract to worry about.

Kris Bryant

This one has been swirling, it seems, every off-season. Kris Bryant has been adamant that he is not happy about the Cubs exploiting his service time (grievance still pending) and reportedly turning down a $200 million+ extension. With a guy like Rendon on the market who will command pretty much the same type of deal and let's be honest, has been a better player the last couple of years. If the Cubs do decide to move on (super long-shot) maybe they go after Rendon and don't have to worry about losing an All-Star hot corner.

Just for quick reference Player A is KB, Player B is Rendon, it's pretty clear Rendon is the better player. Wouldn't be pissed to see that 3 Musketeer MF'er in the 2-hole.

But, outside of that, I would love to see a deal get done. Who knows what it would take (probably Bryce Harper $), hopefully they can get it done this winter. All I know is, if he gets to FA in 2021 we might be trouble.

Kyle Schwarber

Yeaahhhh. That hurts. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Schwar Machine fan but when it means not getting a back-to-back Cy Young candidate it's tough. That being said, if you're not parting with Schwarber then why and how can you now? Theo loves the guy, Chicago loves the guy, and he was the best hitter the 2nd half of the year. Maybe an AL team will blow the Cubs away with an offer, if not, he should be back.

Nick Castellanos

Has there ever been a bigger love affair than the Cubs, their fans, and Castellabos? From day one he embraced the Chicago way. Run hard every play, bring the energy every game, and have fun like "everyday is opening day." That is the vibe you get when you go to Wrigley for the 1st time and the 100th time, it's going to be a party and Castellabos was the Freshman that all the Seniors snuck into the bars. If we're being honest, how the hell do we bring him back? As mentioned, we still have contract extensions to take care of (Willy, KB, Javy, Schwarbs and that's not even to mention the pitching staff) but there was a clear love connection and you can't fake love. Hopefully we can move a few big contracts (Kimbrel, Chatwood, Heyward). And if the Rickett's need, I have a healthy $1k coming their way.

Javy Baez

Dude is on a fucking video game, if he leaves the Cubs ever I might have to personally burn down all of Chicago. This guy and Rizz will have statues outside of Wrigley when it's all said and done. *Plus he is a Spanish Cub and has awesome highlights/GIFs*

Returning in 2020?

Jason Heyward

This is a tough one to gauge, the contract being the biggest part. He is currently locked in at $23.5 over the next 2 years and goes up to $24.5 the final 2. He also will have a full no-trade clause after this year so really this is the ideal time for the Cubs to maximize. In all reality if the do find a team that would take a player like Heyward (good OF, avg at best bat, good leader) the Cubs would have to eat some of the contract. It could possibly happen if they throw in some young talent but it will be absolute if they want to 1. bring back Castellanos and 2. keep this core together.

Tyler Chatwood

I don't know if I could have been more wrong about a Cubs signing. I was over the moon when I saw the Cubs were able to lock-down Chatwood for a 3-year 39 million deal. All we heard was about the stats away from Colorado and how he was the perfect 4-5 starter for this team.....yeah...not exactly. After an absolute nightmare year 1 Chatwood was terrible out of the bullpen and actually had a few decent starts. While the Cubs say they see him competing for the 5th spot i don't see that happening. There are plenty of teams that would take on a short-term (1-year) deal for a back-end starter. The Cubs might not get much in return with the salary but this would more than likely be a cap move anyways.

Albert Almora Jr.

You won't find a bigger Albert Almora Jr. fan (and someone that still believes in his talent) but 2019 was absolutely awful. There is no sugar coating his .651 OPS (....) or his -5 Def. Runs Saved (guy can at the very least be a top defensive OF) and it seems to be a mental thing. When Almora goes well he plays like an everyday CF for a good team, but when he is cold he belongs in Double-A. I don't really know how much you can really afford to keep him on the team when he just does not perform consistently and what you can even get for him. He might be back just because the Cubs will get absolutely nothing for him but I can't see them giving him any longer of a leash.

Cole Hamels

Hard to imagine Cole Hamels will be back next year. There is always a market for veteran starting pitchers and the Cubs have a couple of young guys that could be fighting for the spot in the rotation. After a hot start Hamels struggled with lingering injuries and inconsistencies finding the zone. He was definitely a fun and nice addition to a rotation that really needed it but not a long-term answer and not a way for the Cubs to cut cap space.

Ben Zobrist

Unfortunately, almost no shot Zo will be back. Not only did he have a really rough season at the dish but he had to go through an almost season-long marital dispute. With guys like Happ (also a switch hitter) and Hoerner needing to find consistent AB's there is not really a spot for Zo. Hopefully, we can bring him back in some type of advisory role in the next couple of years.

Addison Russell

Trade this guy for a copy of MLB 20 the Show. I can't wait til this guy is no longer a Cub. Talk about a bigger and faster fall from grace in a Cubs uniform. This guy would rather be at Bottled Blonde til close a day before a Sept. rivalry game and pay his baby mama in quarters. If that's not bad enough, the guy has the nerve, THE NERVE to be pissed at Cubs fans for booing him coming off a suspension for domestic abuse. Then he gets sent down to Triple-A for playing half-ass and frankly not giving a shit. Good lcuk to whatever team gets this asshole and good riddance.