Chicago Cubs: Three impact trades to kickstart 2019

Trade Addison Russell to the Baltimore Orioles

It is absolutely no secret that Cubs fans would love to see Addison Russell leave town.

Amidst a series of domestic violence accusations, and a suspension that will run through the beginning of the 2019 season, Russell isn’t exactly the most popular man in town.

While the Cubs have remained (oddly) loyal to Russell, it is realistic to assume that if presented with the opportunity, the Cubs would be willing to part ways with Russell.

If that opportunity were to be given to the Cubs, the Baltimore Orioles are a potential trade partner. The Orioles dealt franchise shortstop Manny Machado last summer, and have a massive void at shortstop.

However, a deal would completely depend on the Orioles’ willingness to take on Russell and his baggage. Acquiring a player with a domestic violence history is a franchise decision, and would not be one that is taken lightly by fans.

But if the Orioles decide to give the green light to a Russell move, then it is important to remember that the Cubs aren’t just going to give Russell away.

Russell has several years of team control remaining, and despite a rough season, is still a valuable, young shortstop. Considering his baggage, a return wouldn’t be nearly as big as it should, but the Cubs will certainly be getting some return.

That return could be in the form of relief pitcher Mychal Givens. Givens is a hard throwing setup man type, who struggled mightily in 2018. Givens had spectacular 2016 and 2017 seasons, and would immediately step into a big role in the Cubs bullpen. Givens is a big rebound candidate in 2019, and if he can rebound, would become a major piece of the Cubs bullpen.