3 Cubs Veterans That Could Be Traded During the 2020 MLB Season

The Chicago Cubs are in a tricky spot heading into the 2020 season. With experts picking them to finish anywhere from second to fourth in the NL Central, they may not want to go all-in on competing in 2020, but they're also not facing a rebuilding year in which they'll want to completely blow it up.

If the organization wants to avoid another rough stretch like they had from 2010 to 2014, however, they can't afford to stop looking to the future. With that in mind, these three veterans could be on the move before the 2020 trade deadline.

1. Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant during a 2020 spring training game against the Mariners. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

This one probably doesn't come as much of a surprise. The subject of trade rumors for much of the off-season, Kris Bryant won't be a lock to finish the year as a Cub until the trade deadline hits. The 28-year-old has struggled with injuries in the last two seasons, last playing over 150 games in 2017. He's still productive, as shown by his 31 home runs, 108 runs scored and 77 RBI in 2019, but with no long-term contract in place, now is the time to deal him, while he's still likely to fetch a big return.

2. Willson Contreras

Willson Contreras at the plate during a 2019 matchup with the Pirates. / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Another productive player who's eligible for arbitration in 2021 and already the subject of trade rumors, Willson Contreras just posted a career-best .368 weighted on-base average (wOBA) in 2019. Few catchers match his value from the dish, where his 127 wRC+ in 2019 ranked fourth at the position, and the kind of package he could command in a trade would really help keep the Cubs flush with talent.

3. Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo during a spring training game against the Mariners. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

This spot could also have gone to Kyle Schwarber, but Anthony Rizzo is three years older and he is only under club control until the end of the season. If the Cubs stumble out of the gate and a playoff run isn't looking likely, a contender could be willing to offer a solid package to have Rizzo for their playoff run. After a down year in 2018, the slugger bounced back with a .390 wOBA in 2019, hitting 27 home runs in 146 games. There's some room for concern that part of the bounce-back was aided by last year's juiced balls, but his power — particularly against righties — is going to keep teams interested.