Could Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees revive Kyle Schwarber trade talk?

The Chicago Cubs almost traded Kyle Schwarber last season in the deal that involved Aroldis Chapman. Could the two teams work out a deal this season?

Last season, as the Chicago Cubs negotiated a trade to bring Aroldis Chapman to Chicago, the New York Yankees originally asked for Kyle Schwarber. Team president Theo Epstein quickly shot that down and he sent top prospect Gleyber Torres instead.

This season, both the Yankees and the Cubs are buyers as the trade deadline gets closer. Could the two teams work out a deal involving Schwarber?

In a recent episode of the Baseball Tonight podcast, Buster Olney and Keith Law spoke about whether the Cubs wanted a do-over on that trade. They argued that with Schwarber struggling so much this season (.178/.299/.394), and with the trouble of finding a spot on the field for him, perhaps the Cubs might want to include him instead of Torres.

More from Da Windy City

More on that idea later, but they went on to say that the Cubs and Yankees might still work out a deal involving Schwarber this season.

"Olney: If I was in the Yankees’ shoes — if you get the sense at all the Cubs are willing to talk about Schwarber — I would be all over that. And I’m not talking about Torres (going back). I’m talking about another prospect or something else, because Schwarber in Yankee Stadium would be something else."

Law agreed and talked about how Schwarber shouldn’t be in the outfield. He is more of a first-baseman/designated hitter type of player.

In terms of Schwarber at Yankee stadium, I agree. He can do a lot of damage in that place. Also, imagine the home runs flying with a lineup of Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Schwarber hitting in the middle.

If the Cubs can get some pitchers and/or some bats that can help off the bench, then something could be done. I’ve been on record saying Schwarber is a special hitter, but he is not a National League player. He butchers the outfield, and he won’t unseat Anthony RIzzo at first. Additionally, his catching skills (even though the Cubs drafted him as a catcher) aren’t good enough to replace Willson Contreras. The outfield situation is getting crowded, and the time is here for Epstein to find another place for him. In return, the Cubs get a king’s ransom.

Now, back to the story of the Cubs having regrets. I don’t believe that at all. They may eventually trade him, but Epstein kept him for one reason — to win the World Series. He accomplished that goal. Without Schwarber, the Cubs don’t win the title. Schwarber was in the middle of most of the Cubs’ scoring. When the series went to Chicago and manager Joe Maddon couldn’t use him, the team suffered.

Next: Christian Yelich may be a trade deadline target for the Cubs

I don’t know about you, but with Schwarber being an integral part of the Cubs winning a title, no one in the team’s front office regrets keeping him. He may not work out in the long-term, but Epstein had to do everything he could to bring that elusive title and he did it. No regrets there.

Home/Chicago Cubs