Chicago Cubs: 3 potential trade packages for Mookie Betts
By Ryan Sikes
The Red Sox would get five of the Chicago Cubs top eight prospects and also some money for the international bonus pool.
The Chicago Cubs could essentially gut what is left of their farm system, that is already ranked second worst in baseball. Miguel Amaya is ranked as the seventh best catching prospect in baseball and Nico Hoerner is already drawing comparisons to Ian Kinsler. Hoerner is a great contact hitter. He’s not going to hit for a lot of power and may outgrow his natural position.
The Red Sox would also be getting three pitching prospects in this deal. Brailyn Marquez is the Cubs top pitching prospect and his fastball tops out in the high 90’s. He is projected to be ready for the major leagues in 2021, so that’s why I am including both Adbert Alzolay and Justin Steele. Both guys could be in a major league rotation as soon as next year, with Alzolay having the potential to be a September call-up this season.
Because the Cubs farm system is ranked second worst, I felt these five prospects weren’t enough to satisfy what the Red Sox would be looking for. So I included $2 million in international bonus pool money. The Red Sox currently have just about $5 million to spend in the international amateur free agent market, but another two million would easily put them at the top of this list in terms of spending money (via MLB).
Trending. Brandon Morrow has been a waste of money. light
Guys like Ronald Acuna, Luis Severino, and Eloy Jimenez were all signed in this market, so it would be a great way for the Red Sox to load up on talent. However, the downside to this deal is it would delay the Red Sox from being competitive for a few years, if that’s the route they wish to proceed with.
It’s definitely the weakest in terms of immediate value, but over some time, it could be a solid trade if these players flourish into what they are capable of. That being said, the Cubs just started to build up their prospects again, and I would not be in favor of this trade.
Are there any trades here you could see yourself being comfortable with?