CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- Since the end of the World Series, trade rumors have been the source of Twitter fodder surrounding the Cubs and their core group of players.
Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo, and Kyle Schwarber all have two years left on their contracts before hitting free agency. Willson Contreras has three years remaining. Meanwhile, the Cubs have done little to dissuade the talk, even publicly noting that they've already extended offers of significance to most of their keys players in past offseasons.
As the Cubs have sought to extend their core players, the free-agent market has roared. It has left president of baseball operations Theo Epstein acknowledging the possibility of trading key pieces of his club and the players to deal with the outside noise.
"It's really hard to hear your name in a trade rumor," Schwarber said at the Cubs Convention on Friday. "When you first hear it, it becomes tough not to think about it. Obviously, I have heard my name almost every year now and all I do is wait for a phone call saying you are or are not a Chicago Cub.
"Hey, we learn early on to say it's a good thing if other clubs want you. But it is hard after coming up in a great organization and having the best fans cheering you on in a full ballpark every night. We learn that the reality is it's a business and you are a movable part. I heard a lot about it in 2016 when I got hurt, and I thought I was gone. So, you never know for sure."
Epstein reiterated Friday that the Cubs are willing to engage in trade discussions involving even their most important players, but the team will hold off without the right price. Free agency has run its course with the most prominent names finding homes, leading to the potential for a busy trade market over the next two months before Opening Day.
Cubs players know they could be elsewhere before the season starts.
"Look, it's tough to hear your name in rumors, but that's a part of the game," right-hander Kyle Hendricks said. "You want to keep your core together if you are a player, but each offseason is different. We don't pay a lot of attention to the rumor mill until spring training comes. When we get to Mesa in February, that's the group we are riding with."
Baez has been rumored to be close to signing a long-term extension, but nothing has come to fruition. A long-term deal would take him out of those trade possibilities.
"It's really up to them," Baez said. "I really have no comment about it. When the right deal comes, we will be ready for it."
Epstein understands the players have a right to seek free agency, but that comes with a warning.
"From the player's side, we understand there is a lot of money on the table and they can set themselves up forever in free agency," Epstein said. "If they think they can get more as a free agent, by all means, go get it. But that comes with some uncertainty for them as well. Sometimes you are only one phone call from signing a guy to a contract. Sometimes you are only one phone call away from making a deal."
The Cubs haven't signed a free agent to a major league deal this offseason, and the chances for great changes the next two months are more likely by way of trade instead of free-agent signings.
Asked about the futures of Bryant, Rizzo, Baez and Schwarber and whether they're more likely to sign a long-term extension or be traded, Epstein indicated the answer could be neither.
"What is most likely is the status quo," Epstein said. "It's hard to get long-term extensions done, and it's hard to get trades done. We have what we feel is a pretty good club. We are not in a position where we have to do something. So, status quo is always possible."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
