Cubs have appealing young position players to offer in trade
Addison Russell
Photos of Cubs shortstop Addison Russell.
For now  there are no plans to move  Russell  from shortstop despite an occasional rash of throwing errors on routine plays.
 Russell  is only 23 and continues to show glimpses of becoming a bona fide run-producing shortstop with the power  he  displayed in 2016.  His  talents and agent could help command a frontline starting pitcher.  Russell  is arbitration eligible this offseason for the first time and wonât be eligible for free agency until after 2021 season.
 Russell  returned from a foot injury in mid-September without any issues  leaving a pending divorce as the only concern from interested teams. Russellâs batting average sank from .281 in late April to .209 in early June  when his domestic struggles surfaced  but he rallied suffciently to finish the season at .239.
If  Russell  is dealt  Baez can move to shortstop â  his  natural position â with Happ and/or Zobrist taking over at second.
Baez  24  was a defensive savior â especially when he took over at shortstop after  Russell  was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Baez didnât commit an error in 26 consecutive games at shortstop while making routine and tough plays with ease.
If a trade decision boils down to  Russell  or Baez  it could be a matter of taking either a more dependable approach at the plate ( Russell ) or the dazzling defender who can make the backhanded stop and strong throw to first base (Baez).
Photos of Cubs shortstop  [TGT] .
For now  there are no plans to move  Russell  from shortstop despite an occasional rash of throwing errors on routine plays.
 Russell  is only 23 and continues to show glimpses of becoming a bona fide run-producing shortstop with the power  he  displayed in 2016.  His  talents and agent could help command a frontline starting pitcher.  Russell  is arbitration eligible this offseason for the first time and wonât be eligible for free agency until after 2021 season.
 Russell  returned from a foot injury in mid-September without any issues  leaving a pending divorce as the only concern from interested teams. Russellâs batting average sank from .281 in late April to .209 in early June  when his domestic struggles surfaced  but he rallied suffciently to finish the season at .239.
If  Russell  is dealt  Baez can move to shortstop â  his  natural position â with Happ and/or Zobrist taking over at second.
Baez  24  was a defensive savior â especially when he took over at shortstop after  Russell  was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Baez didnât commit an error in 26 consecutive games at shortstop while making routine and tough plays with ease.
If a trade decision boils down to  Russell  or Baez  it could be a matter of taking either a more dependable approach at the plate ( Russell ) or the dazzling defender who can make the backhanded stop and strong throw to first base (Baez).