This week's mailbag covers the Cubs trading an outfielder, what the Dodgers, Cardinals, and Mets might do at the deadline, Kevin Gausman's decline, and much more. Let's get into it!
Kyle asks:
Would the Chicago Cubs consider selling Seiya Suzuki at the deadline? What would it cost the Mariners to acquire him?
Robert asks:
Given their contracts and relative underperformance, would there be any takers for Seiya Suzuki or Ian Happ if the Cubs decide to sell? If so, could they get anything decent in return? Anyone else on the Cubs that could fetch anything worthwhile?
Brandon asks:
Do you forecast a strong trade market for Cody Bellinger?
The key factor to consider here is that Suzuki and Happ were given full no-trade clauses as an enticement to sign. That doesn't necessarily make a player immovable. But for example, if Suzuki simply doesn't want to play in Seattle under any circumstances, that's that. A lot of times, though, players don't want to stay if they're not wanted, and some sort of bonus can be negotiated for accepting a trade.
Suzuki, 30 in August, has matched his career average with a 122 wRC+ this season. Despite increased strikeouts, he hit the ball well in June. His right field defense has been subpar, but not a total killer. He's been something short of a 3-WAR player per 140 games. The Cubs, certainly hoping for a breakout after Suzuki's scorching finish last year, have instead gotten more of a solid regular who needs the occasional IL trip. He's earning $20MM this year and $36MM from 2025-26.
If Suzuki has surplus value relative to his contract, it isn't much, though the trade market isn't teeming with solid regulars. The Mariners have a bunch of 45-50 grade prospects a bit down their list that I think could net a player like Suzuki.
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” Max Scherzer into a Cardinals uniform.”
That would not be a John Mozeliak move but then I don’t know how much of his salary is paid by NYM or Texas.
Just kind of makes me shiver to think of it.
The only place to play a right-hand bat is CF, who is that gonna be cause the dude has to hit or it is not worth it. Robert of the WSox?
RP – lots of those around but are there any good ones for the 7th, 8th,9th innings? ??? Is Robertson still alive and pitching?
This all seems like a TV dream sequence. Wake up and carry on with normal Cards trades.
If Scherzer is available I could certainly see the Cardinals being interested.
Robert is an excellent fit. Centerfield has been a black hole all year. Obviously would cost a lot but he’s a great fit.
Not sure why you are so negative.
Ian Happ is a nice player but 20 million a year for him is crazy. Cubs aren’t in a great position to sell.
Crazy? He’s on pace for a bWAR over 3. He will cover his salary this season in WAR and he has covered his salary in WAR every other season he’s been in the bigs.
He’s a very consistent 3 win player. But paying 20 million a year for 3 wins isn’t a winning formula. Perhaps crazy is too strong a word but I don’t like that contract.
They should honestly be neutral while trying to acquire a bullpen piece. I’m just over optimistic though. I know they suck but I’ll never give up on my team. There’s so many so called fans that literally gave up in Mid May. That’s hardly a casual fan tbh.
If the Cubs wanted to sell who would they sell? The team is not set up to wave the white flag. And that’s mostly a good thing not a bad thing but I dont see how they can sell at this year’s deadline.