The Chicago Cubs currently sit on top of the MLB mountain with a 24-6 record just 30 games into the 2016 campaign. Offensively, they lead the league in runs scored, walks, on-base percentage, and are 2nd in OPS. Clearly, they need an upgrade.
While being tongue in cheek it is clear the Cubs smell blood in the water as they have catapulted out of the gates this season in hopes of making prophets of the bookies in Vegas and ending their 108 year World Series drought. Therefore, any major name that becomes available on the trade market this season will have the Cubs front-and-center as a team that could potentially look to acquire them.
That was the case less than a week ago as columnists discussed that if Mike Trout were to be moved, the Cubs would make sense.
Well, yesterday brought more of the same as multiple reports caught wind of Ryan Braun updating his no-trade list and started connecting dots within the division to a potential deal with the Chicago Cubs.
For full context, here is my video from yesterday talking about Braun, etc. Again, Braun’s trade list has changed. https://t.co/byvVegfbNi
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 1, 2016
Ryan Braun is due make 76 million over the next 4 seasons and has come roaring out-of-the-gates with a stat line of: .363/.424.611 to go along with 7 long balls and 24 knocked in. There is no doubt his contract could be seen as a value when combined with the current market and his production.
That said the Cubs already have a guy who has been playing in the OF much more recently that came up as an everyday third baseman in reigning rookie of the year Kris Bryant. Therefore, even though it may seem to make sense when looking at Ryan Braun’s contract in terms of both years and dollars along with his production, my money is on this not happening.
If the Cubs are going to make a move that would have to include a prospect like Ian Happ or Gleyber Torres plus, then my personal opinion is it will be to hedge against Jake Arrieta’s impending free agency following next season. There are plenty of options available to acquire a cost-controlled pitcher through 2019-2021 and the Cubs just spent 184 million on a corner outfielder this offseason.
While there is no doubt having Braun would make the Cubs already historic-pacing offense that much more dangerous, I just don’t see it happening. Javier Baez is displaying gold-glove ability at the hot corner(3b) and has improved his K rate to a more respectable 23% making him that much more dangerous at the plate. With him and Russell on the left side of the infield it will be very hard for anything pulled on the ground from a right-handed batter to against our defense to become a hit for the opposing team.
That’s my view. You tell us yours. Do you think it makes sense to look into acquiring Ryan Braun? If so, who do you think the Cubs should move to bring him in here? Let us know in the comments below.
