Dominoes if the Cubs Sign Jordan Zimmermann

First domino, the plan

No, I’m not talking about the famous “plan” Theo Epstein has talked about since he’s got here, I’m talking about the team’s offseason plan. The Ricketts sent out letters to the Cubs season ticket holders this past week explaining their plan to add pitching this offseason. While many outlets think it’s almost a guarantee that the Cubs will sign David Price this offseason (read our detailed explanation of the potential Price contract), I’m more inclined to believe the team will sign Zimmermann and trade one (or more) of their younger guys to acquire a young pitcher which the team could control for several years.

Now the Cubs have a rotation that includes Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, Jordan Zimmerman. Pretty dang impressive.

Second domino, a youngster

This would certainly mean one of the guys that you’ve loved through 162 games (well mostly less than a full season) will be sent out. Names that have most often come up have been; Starlin Castro, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, and Kyle Schwarber.

As Gordon Wittenmyer recently mentioned, it is very possible two of those names will be gone next season. The two most likely to be gone are Soler and Castro.

Castro played his way into a tradable player with his strong September and October, and continued to play well in the playoffs as well. He might not warrant a huge name in return himself, but there are teams out there that value Castro as either a shortstop or second baseman, and would definitely take a chance on him. With an expectation of Castro being dealt, it would be extremely unlikely that the Cubs would ALSO trade Baez.

Do not be surprised if the Cubs Strike a deal with the Cleveland Indians or Atlanta Braves for Carlos Carrasco or Julio Teheran. Both, the Braves and Indians are high on Soler, and Cleveland — who the Cubs had intense trade deadline talks with — might be willing to include Lonnie Chisenhall, a utility player that would instantly tighten up the Cubs spotty defense.

If the Cubs decide to add pitching depth through a trade, and not free agency, then expect Jorge Soler to be dealt. There have been names floated around, and perhaps a larger deal comes forward, but as it is Soler can be replaced, while it would be extremely difficult to replace someone like Kris Bryant or Kyle Schwarber.

If Soler is dealt, expect the Cubs to move on another player quickly. Jason Heyward, Franklin Gutierrez, Gerardo Parra, or Justin Upton will be available in free agency, and the Cubs could start talks with the Royals star Alex Gordon.

Jamie Baker

Hi, I’m Jamie and I run this site. I’ve published work on multiple other sites and through that experience I decided to create CHICAGO style SPORTS. We truly aim to speak for the Chicago fan. Additionally, as a member of the IBWAA (Internet Baseball Writers Association of America) you can be assured that all content you read will be written with incredible integrity.

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