MLB insider weighs in on potential Cubs trade involving No. 1 prospect

The Chicago Cubs are in an interesting position heading into the trade deadline in a couple weeks.

Chicago has the third-best record in Major League Baseball at 57-39 and has a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.

They are in an interesting position because the team desperately needs a quality starting pitcher (or two), and they have the assets to get a deal done.

The problem is that their best trading asset, outfielder Owen Caissie (Cubs No. 1, MLB No. 42), would be Kyle Tucker’s replacement if he doesn’t re-sign.

MLB insider/analyst Jon Morosi weighed in on a potential trade involving Caissie and if the Cubs should part ways with their top prospect.

“I would not trade Owen Caissie for one rental player,” said Morosi on 670 The Score. “I would not trade Owen Caissie for Zac Gallen straight up, that would be a no thanks for me because Caissie has too much value and you still don’t have Tucker signed long-term.

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“For a rental? No. But, if the D-Backs come at you and say, ‘I will give you Gallen and [Eugenio] Suárez,’ or Gallen and one more reliever, make it a bigger package.”

The Cubs also need an upgrade at third base and Suárez is the best slugging third baseman available, making a deal involving Caissie easier to swallow.

Morosi went on to say the same thing about a deal for Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller.

“Same thing with the Pirates. Keller is not a rental, Ke’Bryan Hayes is not a rental. They’ve got some bullpen pieces there.

“I would say the Pirates if it’s a multi-player package, or the Diamondbacks if it’s a multi-player package, or if it’s the Twins, maybe you’re able to get a Joe Ryan for an Owen Caissie. Caissie should not be for one solo rental but if it’s multiple players or a controllable piece, like Mitch Keller or Joe Ryan, then I’m all in if I’m the Cubs.”

The Cubs need to get the most out of Caissie, especially if they can’t convince Tucker to re-sign with the team.

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