08 Jul 2015 21:37:43
Rays

We all know the Rays philosophy by now. Develop (or acquire) young talent, grow them and trade them for value before their contracts expire. They have gone this route with Garza, Shields, Price, etc.

Archer has become an Ace and will be the next to go.

Trades in offseason

TB) Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez and CJ Edwards
CHC) Chris Archer

The Cubs get Archer back (sent to TB in Garza trade) for a young arm who won't cost much next year. Archer is a top 10 pitcher and will thrive in the National League. The Cubs would be hesitant to give up Schwarber, but the chance to acquire Archer would push them. Baez has fallen out of favor and is movable and Edwards has a lot of upside to fill Archers spot in the rotation.

TB) Michael Cuddyer ($6 million)
NYM) Tim Beckham and German Marquez (#24 TB Prospect)

I know some people don't think Cuddyer is worth much, but a veteran bat that can play multiple positions at half the price is a good deal. The Rays would have the leader in Cuddyer to pair with Longoria to help mentor the young players.

Roster
C) Kyle Schwarber
1B) James Loney
2B) Logan Forsythe
3B) Evan Longoria
SS) Javier Baez
LF) Butler/Kiermaier
CF) Desmond Jennings
RF) Steven Souza Jr
DH) Michael Cuddyer

SP) Drew Smyly
SP) Alex Cobb (July)
SP) Matt Moore
SP) Jake Odorizzi
SP) Nathan Karns
SP) C.J. Edwards

2016 Lineup

CF) Jennings
1B) Loney
3B) Longoria
C) Schwarber
DH) Cuddyer
RF) Souza Jr
2B) Forsythe
SS) Baez
LF) Butler/Kiermaier

This is a team that could compete with most. Their lineup has potential and their staff is very solid. They would need to spend a few dollars on some bullpen help, but other than that this team is back to competing.

1.) 09 Jul 2015
09 Jul 2015 06:55:35
Archer is one of the best pitchers in the American League right now and has a controllable salary. he can bring back significantly more.

2.) 09 Jul 2015
09 Jul 2015 13:05:37
Please worry about the offseason in the offseason and not at the All-Star Break.

3.) 10 Jul 2015
10 Jul 2015 02:35:51
If Edwards could replace archer then why not just keep scwarber(a future star), Baez( a good potential power bench bat), and Edwards(who you said can be as good as archer). The Cubs are built to win within the next two years with all their top prospects not to trade their best prospects away

4.) 10 Jul 2015
10 Jul 2015 14:09:17
Da Boss, no where did I say Edwards can be as good as Archer. I said he can take his spot in the rotation. No where near the same.

As for why the Cubs would do it you made my point for me. Schwarber FUTURE STAR. He is not ready yet (close, but not yet) Baez a good "bench bat" and Edwards a good middle-back end rotation starter. So you think it hurts the Cubs to trade for a young ACE who is controlled bc they are giving up guys who will be good in a few years? The Cubs are one or two players away from being the best team in baseball. Getting Archer to pair with Lester would make a ton of sense.