Chicago Cubs Trade Rumors: Javier Baez Trade For Justin Upton Or Andrew Cashner Possible With San Diego Padres
Chicago Cubs trade rumors again address dealing Javier Baez.
New Cubs trade rumors have the San Diego Padres calling about the infield prospect, possibly putting players like Justin Upton, Andrew Cashman, and Tyson Ross on the table. A report from CBS Sports on Wednesday (July 29) states that Ross or Cashner could provide a huge improvement to the starting rotation in Chicago.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Chicago Cubs have shown a willingness to part with Javier Baez in recent trade rumors. Baez and Starlin Castro were offered to the Philadelphia Phillies for Cole Hamels, but the Cubs got turned down on that offer. On paper, it seems like the best offer the Phillies have received for Hamels, but the team just didn’t want to pull the trigger. Now, the Cubs may have found a new trading partner in the Padres.
As for why these Chicago Cubs trade rumors have interested the San Diego Padres: Baez has been on a tear lately. Playing for Triple-A Iowa, Baez has really found his swing lately. In 38 PCL games this season, Baez has a.317 batting average (46-for-145),.387 on-base percentage, and.959 OPS. He also has 10 home runs, 31 RBIs, seven stolen bases, and 21 runs scored. It is that power stroke that interests the Padres the most, and the 22-year-old infielder has suddenly regained a lot of value.
Now, before Cubs fans get too excited about Justin Upton replacing Chris Coghlan in left field, it will likely take more than just Baez to complete a deal for the All-Star outfielder. He may be in his final season with the Padres, but any trade for him will likely need to include two top prospects. Aiming for Andrew Cashner or Tyson Ross may be more realistic, especially if another piece comes back with them. So far this season, Ross is 6-8 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 21 starts. Cashner has made 19 starts, posting a 4-10 record, 3.93 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP.
It’s even possible that the Padres would be willing to part with James Shields (8-4, 3.77 ERA, 1.30 WHIP), but he would be a very expensive acquisition. Shields just signed a deal that will pay him $21 million a season from 2016-2018 before he has a $16 million team option in the 2019 MLB season. It’s unclear which one of the players mentioned in all these Chicago Cubs trade rumors that the front office might be targeting, or even if the team is keen on sending Javier Baez to the San Diego Padres. What is known is that the Padres want Baez very badly, and that the negotiations would center around him.
[Image Source: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images]
