Chicago Cubs: 5 logical trades involving Craig Kimbrel

The Chicago Cubs could trade Craig Kimbrel to the Oakland Athletics

From one AL West pennant hopeful to another, we look at the Oakland Athletics. Like the Astros, the Athletics are one of the rumored top two teams in the sweepstakes for Kimbrel. Still 4.5 games back from the Astros, adding an arm like Kimbrel could help take them over the top.

Unfortunately, the Athletics do not have a great farm system at the moment. Oakland does not even have a top-100 prospect right now, so they would have to give up quite a haul in order to land Kimbrel.

First, the Cubs would get a polarizing prospect in lefty AJ Puk. Currently, Puk is in triple-A and is struggling mightily. He is the Athletics’ no. 2 overall prospect, but at 26 years old, injuries have hurt him and he’s had a hard time staying consistent. Still, the potential to come up anytime and help a bullpen is there. He just needs to prove he can be consistent.

Second, the Cubs would get the Athletics’ no. 5 overall prospect in shortstop Logan Davidson. Looking at an ETA of 2022, Davidson could end up being the Cubs’ shortstop of the future if he pans out. He’s got solid power and is an athletic guy in the field.

Lastly, the Cubs would get the Athletics’ no. 9 prospect Jeff Criswell. The righty throws hard and offers a nice slider and change up. Criswell could debut as early as next season, if not 2023.