The Chicago Cubs are rumored to be internally discussing the idea of trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. This season Guerrero Jr is hitting .292 with a .807 OPS. An all-star in each of the last three seasons, he’s a few seasons removed from his 2021 MVP runner-up season. 

The Cubs are 32-34 and are currently tied for a wild card spot. They’ll be looking to upgrade their roster and Guerrero Jr. does just that. He can play either the first base or third base. The Cubs would get Guerrero Jr. for both this season and next, before he enters free agency.

What Would a Trade Look Like

The Blue Jays will be seeking a high price for two years of Guerrero Jr. The team may not want to have a full rebuild, so near MLB-ready prospects could be appealing to them. The Cubs have several top 100 prospects but many of the top ones will be off-limits in any deal for Guerrero Jr.

One who the Blue Jays could target is James Triantos. Currently a second baseman, Traintos played third base in the past. Scouts believe he has the potential to move to a corner outfield role in the future as well. Triantos is ranked as the 58th overall prospect and, according to MLB Pipeline, is number five in the Cubs system. A projected arrival time of 2025 would allow the Blue Jays to have a quick turnaround.

Another option that could be intriguing could be Michael Arias. A right-handed pitcher ranked as the Cubs ninth-best prospect. As with Triantos, Arias has a projected MLB arrival of 2025. Arias originally signed with the Blue Jays as a shortstop in 2018, so there is familiarity between him and the team.

A deal centered around these pieces could work well for both teams. The Cubs get a good bat, and the Blue Jays get near MLB-ready prospects, allowing for a quick retool. If the Chicago Cubs’ internal talks of trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr result in them acquiring him, this could be the potential framework for a trade.

Chicago Cubs Receive: Vladimir Guerrero Jr

Toronto Blue Jays Receive: James Triantos, Michael Arias