Chicago Cubs: 5 trade packages that make the most sense

Alex Gordon in exchange for Cole Roederer and Cory Abbott.

"The Chicago Cubs have been lacking a veteran bat ever since Ben Zobrist left the team in early May to deal with a personal matter. The tricky part of this trade is Alex Gordon’s contract. He is under contract through the rest of this season but has a mutual option at a steep $23 million for next season. He’d either be a rental or Gordon and the Cubs would have to agree to a deal for significantly less in 2020. He’s in the twilight of his career but the Cubs could use his bat in this lineup. Gordon slashed 0.275/0.352/0.447 with 23 doubles, 10 home runs, and 55 RBI’s in the first half. He’s also batted 0.310 with runners-in-scoring-position, so he’ll provide that clutch bat the Cubs have been lacking this season. Add to that he’s batted 0.281 with RISP and 2 out situations. In exchange, I have the Royals getting outfielder Cole Roederer and pitcher Cory Abbott. Roederer was drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft and is slashing 0.217/0.290/0.352 with 16 doubles, 3 home runs and 33 RBI’s in Single-A this year. Abbott has been a pleasant surprise for the Cubs this season. He’s got a 5-6 record with a 4.06 ERA and has tossed 93.0 innings while striking out 98 batters to just 33 walks for Double-A Tennessee. He is projected to be ready as early as next season which could expedite the Royals rebuild."

Ben Zobrist was the veteran bet that the Cubs relied on, but we still are not sure if he will return this season. Even if he does, he now has the weight of his off-the-field issues on his mind. The Cubs would be smart adding Alex Gordon from the Royals who are in a complete sell mode.