3 Cubs Who Could Be Trade Chips With a Strong Spring Showing
As the Chicago Cubs gear up for spring training, most of the major roster questions are already answered. But a few spots - like the fourth outfielder and the final bullpen role - are still in play. And while the front office could shake things up with a late signing or trade, the bulk of the 2026 Opening Day roster is already taking shape.
That said, spring training isn't just about solidifying the roster - it’s also about evaluation. Not just of who fits, but who might be more valuable elsewhere. For a contending team like the Cubs, the trade market is always in play, especially when you’ve got a few intriguing names who could boost their stock with a hot spring in Arizona.
Here are three Cubs who could find themselves on the trade block if they make a strong impression this spring.
Matt Shaw - The Infield Puzzle Piece
Matt Shaw is one of the more interesting names in the Cubs' organization right now. There’s a clear path for him to stick around - he could be a useful bench piece in 2026 and potentially take over at second base in 2027. But that scenario hinges on one major variable: Nico Hoerner’s future.
If the Cubs extend Hoerner long-term, Shaw’s role becomes less defined. And for a team with a relatively thin farm system, it might make more sense to flip Shaw while his value is high - especially if he puts together a strong spring. He’s got the kind of profile that could interest a team like the Red Sox, who might be looking for young, MLB-ready infield talent.
Shaw’s bat, versatility, and proximity to the majors make him a prime candidate to headline a trade package. If he hits well in March, don’t be surprised if his name starts popping up in trade conversations.
Kevin Alcántara - The Boom-or-Bust Prospect
Few players in the Cubs’ system generate as much debate as Kevin Alcántara. Some scouts are all-in, seeing him as a potential star and one of the top prospects in baseball. Others are more cautious, slotting him just inside the top 100 - if at all.
What everyone can agree on is that Alcántara has tools. He’s long, athletic, and has shown flashes of power and speed. But he’s also been streaky, which is likely why he’s expected to start the year in Triple-A Iowa.
Still, if Alcántara gets hot in spring training and shows more consistency at the plate, the Cubs could find themselves with a valuable trade chip. He’s the kind of player who could headline a deal for a midseason upgrade - especially if a team believes they can unlock his full potential.
The Cubs aren’t in a rush to move him, but if the right deal comes along, Alcántara could be the centerpiece.
Jordan Wicks - The Odd Man Out in the Rotation Battle
The Cubs have a bit of a logjam when it comes to back-end starting pitching. Javier Assad has carved out a role as a reliable swingman.
Ben Brown’s strikeout stuff keeps him firmly in the mix. That leaves Jordan Wicks, who, at least for now, feels like the odd man out.
Wicks didn’t make much noise in 2025, and his path to a meaningful role in 2026 isn’t exactly clear. But he’ll get his opportunities in spring training, and if he strings together a few solid starts, he could draw interest from teams looking for young, controllable pitching.
Sometimes a change of scenery is what a pitcher needs, and Wicks might be in that category. He’s still young, with pedigree and potential, and the Cubs could use that to their advantage if his spring performance opens some eyes.
The Big Picture
The Cubs aren’t in a position where they have to trade any of these players. But if they want to make a serious push this season - or retool the roster for both now and the future - they’ll need assets to deal from. Shaw, Alcántara, and Wicks all fit that mold: young, talented, and potentially expendable if the right opportunity arises.
Spring training is often about more than just making the team - it’s about showcasing value. And for these three players, a strong March could mean packing their bags for a new home before Opening Day.