Chicago Cubs: Is the reported pursuit of Manny Machado worth it?

The Chicago Cubs need a jolt, and Manny Machado could be the answer. However, is he worth the potential cost?

On Tuesday a report surfaced that the Chicago Cubs are expected to pursue a trade for Manny Machado this season. While he would certainly provide much-needed offensive punch to the Cubs’ lineup, he would come at a hefty price.  The question for the Cubs is whether he’s worth it.

According to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs are expected to engage the Baltimore Orioles in trade talks. The expectation is that over the next few weeks, the Cubs will have very serious discussions about bringing the power-hitting superstar to Chicago.

Before the start of the season, the Cubs offered Addison Russell, Albert Amora Jr., and Mike Montgomery for Machado. The Orioles turned down that offer. However, the asking price has likely gone down since then. Machado is a free agent at the end of the season. Therefore, the Orioles lose a little leverage with each passing game.

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A potential trade partner must accept the likelihood that Machado will be a rental for the remainder of the season. Therefore, the longer the Orioles wait to trade him, the worse the offers are going to get. As a result, the Orioles might accept a similar offer this time around.

However, the Cubs will have to consider whether the cost is worth it to get a player like Machado. First, they would be giving up a considerable amount of young talent in Russell and Almora. Not only that, but Addison Russell is under contract through 2021. That is a lot to give up for a half-season rental.

Consequently, it is hard to imagine the Cubs executing a trade without requiring Machado to sign an extension. If that is the case, it would likely take the Cubs out of the Bryce Harper sweepstakes when he becomes a free agent. Perhaps the Cubs are OK with that, especially since Machado is more durable, plays a premium position and has comparable (if not better) numbers as Harper.

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Bottom Line

The Chicago Cubs are mired in a rut and could use a shot in the arm. A mid-season acquisition of Machado would certainly accomplish that. However, it should not be an “at all costs” proposition. However, assuming the Cubs can make any deal contingent on an extension, they should aggressively pursue a deal.