No Busch finally is confident playing first base and doing well and will get better this year. Bellinger needs to get traded, he's over paid and his opt outs every year are ridiculous 😵💫 we have to sit and wait, is he staying is he opting out blah blah blah ??? Be done with him please.
So who would it be that’s traded Triantos? and then maybe Alcantara sounds like a win win for the cubs being able to keep Cassie I’m high on Triantos tho but you gotta give up something to get something🤷♂️
Happ and Swanson are streaky hitters. As I recall last year, the Cubs had trouble scoring runs. I think they should keep Bellinger in the lineup. What if he has a year like he did in 2023 gotta keep him .!
All I know is they cannot trade Caissie in a deal for Luzardo. I even cringe at Triantos. I’m just not impressed with a guy that has a 4.29 lifetime ERA and can’t stay healthy. Trade another top 100 guy if you have to, but please, at least make sure it’s an upgrade.
Step back one year. If we traded Morel, Wesneski, and gave up at the time, an unknown draft pick, for one year of a star, everyone would have been ecstatic.
OF Depth without Bellinger: PCA, Happ, Seiya, Tucker, Cassie (We don't need Bellinger) INF Depth: Shaw, Swanson, Nico, Busch, (Gage Workman 3B/2B lefty stick Rule 5 draft), Benjamin Cowles, Luis Vasquez, Matt Mervis, James Triantos I want to see our prospects rotate in and out and figure out the future, while competing for the division which is at it's weakest point in years
Bellinger needs to go finally so everyone can move on and focus, he's really not that good in my opinion, 83 win team since he's been here? Not a difference maker , only an overpaid distraction!
@@SetupManCubs I believe Jed is confident he can retain Tucker. Seems out of character to pull off this trade unless he just feels the pressure for his job. I think trading Cody allows them to save some money for a Tucker extension. Or it will give him money to sign Tanner Scott as the closer (Filling a huge hole in the pen - Closer/Lefty) I think they can sign Tucker because after 2026 the only Role Players being paid big money is Dansby Swanson These prospects/team-controlled players will be in the mix by then - Ballesteros, Busch, Triantos, Shaw, Cassie, and PCA I think from here on out we will spend money just as Jed enjoys to. On valuable/cheap veteran bullpen arms.
I love that lineup with Belli…that lineup will score a ton of runs!!! Shaw, Caissie, Triantos and Mo baller can all start off with Iowa and get called up as needed!!!😤
How can people think that astros didn’t get enough for a player with one single year of control??? That’s wild to me. Cam Smith might pan out. Tucker was not going to resign with Houston no chance. It’s a fine trade from their perspective. It’s decent from the Cubs perspective assuming they at least make a play for him after this coming year.
PCA needs to lead off starting now. He has the skillset and the psychological makeup to handle anything you throw at him. The Cubs are a better team with him leading off and it makes our 2 through 5 that much better. 🎵Go Cubs Go🎵
I mean if we’re gonna go all out for a starting pitcher I would really like to see us get Castillo if that’s still a possibility he’s always been one of my favorite pitchers
I'm a huge yes on Bauer! He should be a really cheap contract that you could almost set up the contract with a very low base salary that's all about incentives.
I’m not sure why the Cubs feel as though they need to make a deal for Luzardo? I looked at his stats and I think Jordan Wicks can be just as good in the rotation. I get the feeling that Jed Hoyer doesn’t have a lot of confidence in his homegrown starters…like Wicks, Horton, Brown, Kilian, etc. Look at that lineup with Bellinger in it…it’s definitely a “win now” lineup. Even if Bellinger gets traded, would someone like an Owen Caissie get enough at bats in the major leagues to really see what his potential might be? And, even if Bellinger goes, there’s still a crowded outfield because of Seiya Suzuki. At least Bellinger can be slotted into first base and the Cubs would still have a solid defender there. I think Michael Busch would be fine at third base. He played that position in the minors for the Dodgers and throughout this past season he worked out at third base in pregame drills. Actually, he would work out at each position.
I just read on CBSSports that Luzardo’s 2024 season was wrecked by back and elbow injuries…so why is everyone excited about making a trade for him…unless the Cubs see him as a swing man, like Assad? I’m not really sure I want the Cubs to bring in a guy who recently has had back and elbow injuries.
Nowhere to play him. If Happ would let us trade him, sure. But that won't happen. And Busch is better than Bellinger, so playing him at 1B isn't an option either.
Kyle tucker in the last 4 years has Avg 547 at bats (2 seasons of 600+ at bats).. taking his 12.1 AB per Homerun rate that would net 45HR on a season with 547 at bats.. 49 HR if he has 600 AB's 😮
Both Chris rose and Trevor plouffe are in the trading bellinger is a bad idea and I agree what is so bad about having depth especially with a bat as talented at Bellinger? Big market teams don’t care about logjams they make it work because the offense is the most important and so is depth. Plus if the cubs free up money how are they going to improve the team? They won’t go after burnes, they won’t go after Alonso and if they do your in the same situation, we already have enough money for tanner scott if your not going to use the money to improve or get any good players back why even trade him almost every expert says the cubs would be stupid to trade him and only cubs fans on twitter are obsessed with shipping him off
I wouldn't give up anybody in the top 10 prospect wise for Luzardo. Too injury prone and he's another lefty starter. Not to mention, he's really only had one good full season in the majors.
Here is the thing on Busch. I want to see what a full season looks like with him comfortable. Last year he learned a new team, city, and position. He played well. Let’s see him play great doing the same thing. Leave him alone. Keep Belli. Because he can play first, left, right, center and DH. Plenty of opportunities to get him on the field. Injury coverage. Tucker is gone after this year. Just keep Belli. That lineup looks a lot better with Belli than without.
Not a fan of adding Luzardo. He's had one good year and the others are injured. I'd almost picture a 4 team trade where the Cubs send Nico to Seattle, Bellinger and 8M to NY, and Wicks and Brett Bateman to Philly. Seattle sends Castillo to CHI and Arroyo to Philly. Yankees send a low level prospect, outside their top 15, to Philly. Philly sends the Cubs Bohm. The money is just about even for the Cubs and it addresses a need for every team involved. Almost makes me wish BTV would let you do a 4 team trade. And a lefty can play 3B and even SS. I've done it. It's not that awkward. The only place they can't play is 2B because they can't turn a 6-4-3.
While the idea of getting Castillo and Bohm sounds great...it will cost the Cubs more than Nico and Belly(and cash). Regarding a lefty fielder playing 3B or SS: sorry my man, it's not happening at the major league level(or minors). The crucial tenths of seconds it would take even the most adept athlete at 3B to shift their feet towards 1B or 2B(for DP) doesn't work. Backhanding everything to their left also limits very important body momentum to make the throw well/hard from 3B to 1B. And as for SS, they absolutely must be right handed as well...playing backhands whole running full speed towards 2B or deep in the hole or a high chopper to 1B is insanity with fast runners in MLB.
@@TheLearningCatalystCoach The Cubs would also be trading the results of the Belli trade and the extra from the Nico trade plus Wicks to Philly. But I wouldn't be opposed to taking Wicks out and trading them Brown. As for the lefties. It's easier for a lefty to throw while moving to their left than it is for a right handed person. The foot work is literally inconsequential as it's just the opposite of what a right handed person has to be taught for back handed plays. What is lacking is coaches who are willing to put in the work to teach kids.
Keep Belli if they are truly going for it in '25 otherwise lineup is missing that 2nd bopper like last year. Big no to Bauer, clubhouse headache, rather have Luzardo but dont trade Caissie, need his power bat for this year if Belli goes and following years once Tucker goes. 0% they sign Tucker
Please don't hop on the Bauer train. Guys an unrepentant serial abuser and i don't want to be told that I should be harassing the many accusers instead. Lance's reaction when you brought it up was the right one. Can we just move on from him, he sucks and I'd be so disappointed if he was a cub
Trevor Bauer is one of those guys who drags your team down-he'd be a disaster in the clubhouse and with the media. Not worth whatever he could bring to the mound. He's a major jerk.
How can people think that astros didn’t get enough for a player with one single year of control??? That’s wild to me. Cam Smith might pan out. Tucker was not going to resign with Houston no chance. It’s a fine trade from their perspective. It’s decent from the Cubs perspective assuming they at least make a play for him after this coming year.
Let me know your thoughts on Michael Busch at 3B and/or the package that you would be okay with for Jesus Luzardo
maybe to start the year until Nico
is 100% ready and the rookie covers 2B…
Busch at 3rd is idiotic
Can Nico play 3rd I know his arm strength isn't the best but just a thought
For Luzardo, Wicks/Assad and maybe someone like Canerio or Kilian. Canerio has no options so if they want him then he’s a good throw in
No Busch finally is confident playing first base and doing well and will get better this year. Bellinger needs to get traded, he's over paid and his opt outs every year are ridiculous 😵💫 we have to sit and wait, is he staying is he opting out blah blah blah ??? Be done with him please.
It is reported Owen Caissie is not part of the Luzardo deal.. which is a relief.
Thank goodness.
So who would it be that’s traded Triantos? and then maybe Alcantara sounds like a win win for the cubs being able to keep Cassie I’m high on Triantos tho but you gotta give up something to get something🤷♂️
@@jhazen1125I totally agree…I’m cool with trading Triantos and Alcántara!! I do NOT wanna trade our top 4 prospects before we see them play for us!!
Thank Goodness
If the Cubs have to eat 10 millions out of Bellingers contract then the return has to be greater than what the Yankees are offering..
💯
Happ and Swanson are streaky hitters. As I recall last year, the Cubs had trouble scoring runs. I think they should keep Bellinger in the lineup. What if he has a year like he did in 2023 gotta keep him .!
All I know is they cannot trade Caissie in a deal for Luzardo. I even cringe at Triantos. I’m just not impressed with a guy that has a 4.29 lifetime ERA and can’t stay healthy. Trade another top 100 guy if you have to, but please, at least make sure it’s an upgrade.
100% no to Caissie. Too much value there
Yes the flexibility with belli is a must
Of course you should!
Trevor Bauer would be huge.
U r right (as a former 1b) at beginning of last yr Busch was not good. By end of the year, his mechanics were much better
Trevor Bauer? I mean 30 teams have seen the results of the mlb investigation and want nothing to do with him. Doesn't that tell u something?
Jed Hoyer seems to have a big heart and seems to be very, very generous.
Couldn’t agree with you more on your assessment of trading away Cam.
💪🏻
Christian Franklin, Matt Mervis, Kohl Franklin, Chase Strumpf
Belli and all these guys average 135 games and its set
Trevor Bauer was cleared of charges. Get him cheap and let him prove himself.
You do NOT want Busch at 3B. Only Belli at 1st possibility is Nico traded, Busch at 2B, Shaw at 3B.
Step back one year. If we traded Morel, Wesneski, and gave up at the time, an unknown draft pick, for one year of a star, everyone would have been ecstatic.
OF Depth without Bellinger: PCA, Happ, Seiya, Tucker, Cassie (We don't need Bellinger)
INF Depth: Shaw, Swanson, Nico, Busch, (Gage Workman 3B/2B lefty stick Rule 5 draft), Benjamin Cowles, Luis Vasquez, Matt Mervis, James Triantos
I want to see our prospects rotate in and out and figure out the future, while competing for the division which is at it's weakest point in years
Bellinger needs to go finally so everyone can move on and focus, he's really not that good in my opinion, 83 win team since he's been here? Not a difference maker , only an overpaid distraction!
Yes, but I think Jed is now in win-now mode. Tucker on a one year deal gave that feeling
@@SetupManCubs I believe Jed is confident he can retain Tucker. Seems out of character to pull off this trade unless he just feels the pressure for his job. I think trading Cody allows them to save some money for a Tucker extension. Or it will give him money to sign Tanner Scott as the closer (Filling a huge hole in the pen - Closer/Lefty)
I think they can sign Tucker because after 2026 the only Role Players being paid big money is Dansby Swanson
These prospects/team-controlled players will be in the mix by then - Ballesteros, Busch, Triantos, Shaw, Cassie, and PCA
I think from here on out we will spend money just as Jed enjoys to. On valuable/cheap veteran bullpen arms.
Mason Miller, Logan Gilbert, and Luis Arraez plus Pete Fairbanks and it's world series my friends lol
Simple as that 😂
Say pass on Jesus. Don’t need another lefty
Get Roki
Why would SOME MLB at least invite him to Spring Training. I would LOVE to see Bauer in a Cubbie uniform.
I love that lineup with Belli…that lineup will score a ton of runs!!! Shaw, Caissie, Triantos and Mo baller can all start off with Iowa and get called up as needed!!!😤
How can people think that astros didn’t get enough for a player with one single year of control??? That’s wild to me. Cam Smith might pan out. Tucker was not going to resign with Houston no chance. It’s a fine trade from their perspective. It’s decent from the Cubs perspective assuming they at least make a play for him after this coming year.
PCA needs to lead off starting now. He has the skillset and the psychological makeup to handle anything you throw at him. The Cubs are a better team with him leading off and it makes our 2 through 5 that much better. 🎵Go Cubs Go🎵
lineup looks so much better with belli
Yes. You absolutely keep Bellinger. Lengthen the lineup. Play loud
🙌🏻🙌🏻
I mean if we’re gonna go all out for a starting pitcher I would really like to see us get Castillo if that’s still a possibility he’s always been one of my favorite pitchers
Same!
I'm a huge yes on Bauer! He should be a really cheap contract that you could almost set up the contract with a very low base salary that's all about incentives.
What about trade Bellinger and Mervis to the Yankees to fill their 2 needs and get a fringe prospect back
Yes, but the Yanks want the Cubs to eat too much of the contract. Adding Mervis may not solve that issue
Trade Bellingees to whomever they need to
I’m not sure why the Cubs feel as though they need to make a deal for Luzardo? I looked at his stats and I think Jordan Wicks can be just as good in the rotation. I get the feeling that Jed Hoyer doesn’t have a lot of confidence in his homegrown starters…like Wicks, Horton, Brown, Kilian, etc.
Look at that lineup with Bellinger in it…it’s definitely a “win now” lineup. Even if Bellinger gets traded, would someone like an Owen Caissie get enough at bats in the major leagues to really see what his potential might be? And, even if Bellinger goes, there’s still a crowded outfield because of Seiya Suzuki. At least Bellinger can be slotted into first base and the Cubs would still have a solid defender there.
I think Michael Busch would be fine at third base. He played that position in the minors for the Dodgers and throughout this past season he worked out at third base in pregame drills. Actually, he would work out at each position.
I just read on CBSSports that Luzardo’s 2024 season was wrecked by back and elbow injuries…so why is everyone excited about making a trade for him…unless the Cubs see him as a swing man, like Assad? I’m not really sure I want the Cubs to bring in a guy who recently has had back and elbow injuries.
I’m a hundred percent for TREVOR COMING TO THE CUBS
Have you ever seen him play 3rd?
Why not keep Beli
Nowhere to play him. If Happ would let us trade him, sure. But that won't happen. And Busch is better than Bellinger, so playing him at 1B isn't an option either.
Kyle tucker in the last 4 years has Avg 547 at bats (2 seasons of 600+ at bats).. taking his 12.1 AB per Homerun rate that would net 45HR on a season with 547 at bats..
49 HR if he has 600 AB's 😮
I can live with those numbers!
@@SetupManCubs minus "Wrigley field factor"😂.. still would look like 37-39 HR.
I don't understand the interest in Luzardo rather than Alcantara.
5% chance for an extension but what do you think about their chance of signing him long-term in free agency?
If he goes to FA, I think the chances go down dramatically
Cam Smith is a Prospect who cares
Both Chris rose and Trevor plouffe are in the trading bellinger is a bad idea and I agree what is so bad about having depth especially with a bat as talented at Bellinger? Big market teams don’t care about logjams they make it work because the offense is the most important and so is depth. Plus if the cubs free up money how are they going to improve the team? They won’t go after burnes, they won’t go after Alonso and if they do your in the same situation, we already have enough money for tanner scott if your not going to use the money to improve or get any good players back why even trade him almost every expert says the cubs would be stupid to trade him and only cubs fans on twitter are obsessed with shipping him off
WWIII could break out also
I wouldn't give up anybody in the top 10 prospect wise for Luzardo. Too injury prone and he's another lefty starter. Not to mention, he's really only had one good full season in the majors.
Here is the thing on Busch. I want to see what a full season looks like with him comfortable. Last year he learned a new team, city, and position. He played well. Let’s see him play great doing the same thing. Leave him alone. Keep Belli. Because he can play first, left, right, center and DH. Plenty of opportunities to get him on the field. Injury coverage. Tucker is gone after this year. Just keep Belli. That lineup looks a lot better with Belli than without.
💯
Not a fan of adding Luzardo. He's had one good year and the others are injured. I'd almost picture a 4 team trade where the Cubs send Nico to Seattle, Bellinger and 8M to NY, and Wicks and Brett Bateman to Philly. Seattle sends Castillo to CHI and Arroyo to Philly. Yankees send a low level prospect, outside their top 15, to Philly. Philly sends the Cubs Bohm. The money is just about even for the Cubs and it addresses a need for every team involved. Almost makes me wish BTV would let you do a 4 team trade.
And a lefty can play 3B and even SS. I've done it. It's not that awkward. The only place they can't play is 2B because they can't turn a 6-4-3.
While the idea of getting Castillo and Bohm sounds great...it will cost the Cubs more than Nico and Belly(and cash).
Regarding a lefty fielder playing 3B or SS: sorry my man, it's not happening at the major league level(or minors). The crucial tenths of seconds it would take even the most adept athlete at 3B to shift their feet towards 1B or 2B(for DP) doesn't work. Backhanding everything to their left also limits very important body momentum to make the throw well/hard from 3B to 1B.
And as for SS, they absolutely must be right handed as well...playing backhands whole running full speed towards 2B or deep in the hole or a high chopper to 1B is insanity with fast runners in MLB.
@@TheLearningCatalystCoach The Cubs would also be trading the results of the Belli trade and the extra from the Nico trade plus Wicks to Philly. But I wouldn't be opposed to taking Wicks out and trading them Brown.
As for the lefties. It's easier for a lefty to throw while moving to their left than it is for a right handed person. The foot work is literally inconsequential as it's just the opposite of what a right handed person has to be taught for back handed plays. What is lacking is coaches who are willing to put in the work to teach kids.
4 team trade! That would be intense!
I believe Cody is going to be a super star this season. Don't trade him. He knowhe had to be great to get the $ he wants
He’s definitely going to be motivated to be a superstar again
Sign Bauer!
How about Miles Mastrobuoni and Ed Howard for Jesus Luzardo ?
We would be fleecing ourselves 😂😂
Now that’s fair ;)
Shaw starts in minors but will be 3b for 100 games next year
We shall see! Lots of options
Do u think there thinking of LUZARDO AS CLOSER. TO SAVE HIS ARM.
That would be interesting! If they are, even more reason not to give up a ton. Relief pitchers don’t command the same return as starters
Keep Belli if they are truly going for it in '25 otherwise lineup is missing that 2nd bopper like last year. Big no to Bauer, clubhouse headache, rather have Luzardo but dont trade Caissie, need his power bat for this year if Belli goes and following years once Tucker goes. 0% they sign Tucker
0%? Gotta give a little more credit than that!
luzardo has stuff, but hes inconsistent and oft injured.
Please don't hop on the Bauer train. Guys an unrepentant serial abuser and i don't want to be told that I should be harassing the many accusers instead. Lance's reaction when you brought it up was the right one. Can we just move on from him, he sucks and I'd be so disappointed if he was a cub
Just stop with the Bauer stuff please
I would prefer a trade for Luis Castillo and keeping Cody. I've come around.
That would be clutch
I hope jed is shopping belli to every al east team! Tell the yanks to keep fokin around ;)
Trevor Bauer is one of those guys who drags your team down-he'd be a disaster in the clubhouse and with the media. Not worth whatever he could bring to the mound. He's a major jerk.
Cubs are $37m under the tax with belli....no reason to trade him
Move Busch to 3rd and let Belli play 1st
U r right (as a former 1b) at beginning of last yr Busch was not good. By end of the year, his mechanics were much better
How can people think that astros didn’t get enough for a player with one single year of control??? That’s wild to me. Cam Smith might pan out. Tucker was not going to resign with Houston no chance. It’s a fine trade from their perspective. It’s decent from the Cubs perspective assuming they at least make a play for him after this coming year.