(670 The Score) As the deadline looms on Aug. 2, the Cubs’ biggest trade asset could perhaps be paired with their second-best trade chip.
The Padres have discussed the possibility of acquiring Cubs catcher Willson Contreras and outfielder Ian Happ in the same deal, the Athletic reported Friday. The Padres have been viewed as one of the front-runners to land Contreras, with San Diego right-hander Joe Musgrove telling All-Star teammate Contreras in Los Angeles on Tuesday that, “This might not be the last time we do this,” according to the Union-Tribune.
It feels inevitable that the Cubs will trade Contreras, as he’s in the final season of his contract with extension talks failing to progress. Contreras, 30, is hitting .258 with 14 homers, 36 RBIs and an .843 OPS in 79 games entering Saturday.
Happ’s future is more uncertain, as he’s under team control through 2023. Happ has shown quality improvement this season, hitting .281 with an .817 OPS, but it’s unclear if the Cubs view him as a long-term piece or a potential trade chip.
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