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Chicago Cubs News: Matt Szczur being shopped

By Jordan Campbell

Mar 20, 2017; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Matt Szczur (20) celebrates with teammates after scoring in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2017; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Matt Szczur (20) celebrates with teammates after scoring in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs may be hoping to trade outfielder Matt Szczur before Opening Night on April 2.

The Chicago Cubs have a week before they have to set their 25-man roster and there could be a trade in the works.

Currently, the only roster spot that appears to be in question is the last spot on the Cubs’ bench. The battle is between infielder Tommy La Stella and outfielder Matt Szczur. From a business standpoint, La Stella has two minor league options remaining while Szczur is out of options.

It would appear that the Cubs are working to have LaStella be the final player on the Cubs’ 25-man roster. Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Cubs are trying to trade Szczur before Opening Day.

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"Two major-league sources confirmed Saturday the Cubs are trying to trade Szczur, who is out of minor-league options and could be claimed on waivers if he does not make their opening day roster."

Having La Stella on the 25-man roster would provide the Cubs with flexibility. Given La Stella has two minor league options remaining on his contract, that would make for an easier task of shuffling the roster in the event of an injury.

A trade would also be the best outcome for Szczur. Even if Szczur were to make the the Cubs’ Major League roster, his playing time would be limited. With Kyle Schwarber in left field; Albert Almora and Jon Jay in center field; and Jason Heyward in right field, there isn’t much available playing time for Szczur. A trade would allow for Szczur to play on a more consistent basis.

Next: Joe Maddon made the right call with Kyle Hendricks

The Chicago Cubs have one more week of Spring Training games before opening the season on April 2 in St. Louis.

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