We have already seen the Rangers, Braves, and now Dodgers reportedly inquiring about Kris Bryant, but at this point, the Dodgers seem more in on Rendon, leading me to believe the Rangers and Braves will continue to discuss things with Chicago. Full Story »
I do not think Theo Epstein is being creative enough. I see several possible trade options to lower payroll without trading Contreras or Bryant. First, the Mets are also looking for a 5th starter and have been linked to Porcello who is not really any good anymore. Why not try to trade Chatwood to the Mets? He only has one year left on his contract, so it is not tying anyone up long term. While the Cubs also need a 5th starter their in house options are better and can give someone like Mills or Azolay experience. The Mets want to trade Lowrie who is a backup infielder, and the Mets supposedly want a cheap additional middle infielder so throw in Decalso though I don't think anybody will take him, and at the very least he should be cut instead of wasting a roster spot. Trading Chatwood and Decalso would clear 16.5 million of salary while only taking back 9 million for Lowry. The Cubs come out ahead by 7.5 million to put toward Castellanos or someone else like Free Agent Hernadez from the Phillies. No reason not to center a trade around Chatwood since so many teams are looking for rotation help, Angels, Twins, Rangers, Mets, Jays, and more. I would not trade either Contreras or Caratini, no reason to downgrade such strength at a premium position. Contreras will only clear 4.5 million and most likely some of the prospects taken back will not be useful in the majors.
Since the Cubs are so focused on Merrifield, why not offer Happ, Bote, and Catcher Quintero, if you had to add something then a minor league pitcher maybe Norwood could be added. I believe this would meet the "haul" KC is looking for getting 2 MLB players, a very good catching prospect in Quintero and a young pitcher. This is probably a slight overpay, but I believe should do the trick.
There is no reason to include Amaya or Hearn in the deal, as by the time they are ready then either Contreras or Cartini will be near free agency.
If not the Cubs could always package Happ and Quintero to Pit for Marte.