Two Chicago Cubs who should be traded

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 10:25 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs have a pretty deep roster in the starting rotation and throughout the lineup. This level of depth is good to have.

However, with bona fide big leaguers getting relegated to the minors, the Cubs should look to trade these players to get some value back.

Right-hander Javier Assad |

Mar 11, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Mexico starting pitcher Javier Assad (77) watches his team bat against Italy in the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Despite Javier Assad doing well — a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings — the Cubs didn’t have a place on the 26-man roster for him. A swing-man (both a starter and reliever), the Cubs already have right-hander Colin Rea to fill that role.

Rea had a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. Right-hander Ben Brown will also make the Opening Day roster, offering Counsell another swing-man option.

Assad also had no place in the starting rotation. Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon will be the starting five to begin the season.

Assad will likely get work in the Iowa Cubs rotation to keep him ready to start in case of an injury.

Assad is now out of minor league options, and barring injury, won’t be up anytime soon. A bona fide big league arm, the Cubs could get value back in a trade for him.

Outfielder Kevin Alcantara |

Feb 28, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs designed hitter Kevin Alcantara (13) at bat in the first inning during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

Kevin Alcantara is the Cubs’ fourth-ranked prospect, but he also doesn’t have a spot on the big league roster. A primary centerfielder, Alcantara can play the corner outfield spots as well.

Rightfielder Seiya Suzuki’s knee injury created an opening to make the team, but veteran outfielder Michael Conforto secured the last spot. Alcantara did have a good spring, batting .275 with two doubles, a home run and four RBI in 13 games.

Alcantara’s future as the Cubs’ everyday centerfielder is out, with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s reported extension. Right field and leftfield could open up next year for Alcantara to play, with leftfielder Ian Happ and Suzuki entering their walk years.

A promising young outfielder, Alcantara could also bring back value in a trade to further deepen the Cubs’ roster.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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