Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team should pursue these 3 August trades

Trade Number One: Acquire Russell Martin from the Toronto Blue Jays

Willson Contreras has been a key player in the Cubs success this season. The clear catcher of the future, Contreras was named to his first All-Star Game, starting behind the plate in D.C. last month.

However, production behind Contreras has been shaky. Victor Caratini has made little impact this season, and no veteran options have been viable enough to be brought up from Triple-A.

Why Martin would be available

Simply put: Production and cost. In 260 at-bats, Martin is hitting just .204 with just 10 home runs, his lowest average in his 13-year career, and his fewest home runs since 2010.

The 35-year old veteran catcher signed a five-year, $82 million deal in 2015. Martin is owed $16.5 million next season; no team will want to take that straight up. Considering his career decline and cost, theres no chance that Martin won’t be able to pass through waivers.

With a rebuild looming in Toronto, the Blue Jays will certainly shop Martin, especially with Top-100 prospect Danny Jansen taking over behind the plate.

Why the Cubs would want him

Martin brings two incredibly valuable aspects to the Cubs: Experience and versatility.

In the postseason, Contreras will start every game behind the plate. Despite being an All-Star, Contreras is still relatively young, and could use a mentor in Martin. Additionally, Martin would bring valuable leadership in the Cubs clubhouse, as well as postseason experience, something that other than Contreras, no catcher in the Cubs organization has.

Martin is a four-time All-Star, and has been to the postseason nine times. While his production won’t bring much to the table, his presence and experience would make him of value for the Cubs. He wouldn’t cost the Cubs much, considering the fact that the Blue Jays would eat most, if not all of his contract.