Wouldn't that be true regardless of this possible trade? Or would Lee have returned on a short-term (cheap) deal? I think there's a chance Lee could have come back on a shorter and/or cheaper deal, but you're right that the basic point holds true regardless of whether or not he's dealt. If he is traded though, he's probably not coming back, and that's one less option and leaves them completely barren at the position heading into the offseason. Why would he not come back (assuming we want him back)? I thought he said he didn't want to uproot his family. Well he can go play for the Braves for a few months and have a shot at another ring and then come back to the Cubs next year. That way his family doesn't have to go anywhere.