Should the Chicago Cubs trade shortstop/second baseman Addison Russell? It has been an interesting 2019 season up for him to this point. He was suspended for the first 40 games of the regular season with off the field issues. Russell has also spent some time in Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs.
Addison Russell is 25 years old. He is under contract for a couple more years. Russell was supposed to be a stud with the Chicago Cubs, but he has derailed in every season since they won the World Series in 2016.
Russell’s Stats
In 151 games played during 2016, his batting average was .238 with 21 home runs and 95 RBI’s, along with five stolen bases. Addison Russell’s on-base percentage was .321.
That has been by far his best season in his major league career.
In 2017, his batting average was .239 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI’s, along with two stolen bases in 110 games. Russell’s on-base percentage was .304.
In 130 games played last season, His batting average was .250 with five home runs and 38 RBI’s, along with four stolen bases. Addison Russell’s on-base percentage was .317.
He has only played in 58 games so far this season in Chicago. His batting average is .247 with six home runs and 16 RBI’s. Russell’s on-base percentage is .331.
He entered the MLB in 2015. Addison Russell was supposed to be a superstar, but maybe he needs a change of scenery to reach his potential.
Potential Trade Partners
The Chicago Cubs have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. One option would be to trade him to a contending team that has a very good farm system.
The San Diego Padres could be a very good trade partner with Chicago. Russell would get swapped for second baseman/shortstop Luis Urias, San Diego also has very good pitching prospects. The Cubs need some pitchers for the future and I am sure #3 prospect right-handed pitcher Luis Patino and #7 prospect left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers fit the bill here.
The Cleveland Indians could be a very good trade partner with them as well. Jason Kipnis is currently the second baseman for Cleveland. He has a potential buyout in his contract after this season. Kipnis is 32 years old.
Russell could be traded for #2 prospect right-handed pitcher Triston MacKenzie, #8 prospect right-handed pitcher Ethan Hankins, and #13 prospect second baseman Aaron Bracho.
I believe the Chicago Cubs should trade Addison Russell this offseason. He is a player that is capable of playing every day, but Russell has lost that role with Chicago. Javier Baez usually plays second base, but he was moved to shortstop this season. Baez hasn’t missed a beat in the field and he is one of the best players in the game.
