Chicago Cubs: 5 trade packages that make the most sense

Will Smith in exchange for Ian Happ and Phillip Evans

"The Chicago Cubs could make a trade for one of the most accomplished left-handed relievers in baseball in Will Smith. The 29-year old is a free agent at the end of the season. He’s making just $4.23 million with the Giants this year and could potentially be re-signed if he does well with the Cubs in the final three months. He’s been the closer for the Giants this year but would likely serve as a 7th inning guy in the Cubs bullpen. Smith has tossed 26.2 innings with 38 strikeouts and 16 saves so far this season. The Cubs need someone to bridge the gap between the starter and Craig Kimbrel. Shortening a game is what made Milwaukee so good in 2018 and Kansas City so good in 2014 and 2015. The Giants have Steven Duggar manning centerfield and he is currently slashing 0.241/0.284/0.642. He’s struck out 72 times in 62 games this season but it might be too early to give up on him just yet. Looking at their right-field situation, Kevin Pillar is slashing a putrid 0.214/0.242/0.353. Ian Happ has down in the minors this season working to cut down on the strikeouts. He actually has similar strikeouts as Duggar but there’s a lot of pop in his bat. With Pillar now 30 years old, the Giants could turn to 24-year old Ian Happ in a trade. Phillip Evans could be a solid prospect for the Giants as Evan Longoria is approaching the twilight of his career. Longoria is slashing 0.234/0.310/0.715 in 60 games this season. Evans has been doing well with Triple-A slashing 0.281/0.408/0.878 with 9 home runs and 31 RBI’s in 63 games this year."

From what I have been hearing, the Giants are going to be asking a lot for reliever Will Smith. The original package I had above is not going to cut it. Add to this that the Giants have been much improved since I first wrote this piece, they may not be sellers after all as they currently sit at the 0.500 mark and are just 2.0 games out of a Wild Card spot entering Saturday.

If they do end up selling, Will Smith would be a great get if the Cubs can find the right package to offer the Giants.