Trade returns

[thawv]

Are there any actual players that are ready now Cubs needs, that they can get for our trade options?  I don't see anything that excites me.  I think that the Cubs are going to have to add prospect(s) to get players that can help the team next season.  

[Jason Ross]

I think there are players the Cubs can acquire that will be ready sometime in 2024, yes.  Connor Norby, Heston Kjerstad, and Joey Ortiz from the Orioles are ETA 2024 (if not already 2023 ETA) and are all surplus to requirements (and I think possible to attain regardless of the reports).  I think the Rays have a few players who are 2023 or 2024 ETA (Aranda, for example).  These are just a few names off the top of my head.  I also think it's important to remember that Hayden Wesneski and Ben Brown were two prospects no one had on their radar last deadline, and both will likely add some starts (one already has) this season, so just because they're not on our radar today doesn't mean they won't be able to help.  

The Cubs will get their best return, however, regardless of ETA.  I saw a great quote I wish I could take credit for online, but I can't (and I'd give the proper credit, but I can't remember who said it), but the quote was that the Cubs can target players close to the MLB but will prioritize the best return, and I think that's what we have to expect from this deadline.

[Rex Buckingham]

I think, given their system depth, that the Cubs can go after the best prospects possible, then maybe in the off-season use that depth to make moves for guys who are closer to impacting the ML roster