While discussions are ongoing about Shohei Ohtani and Cody Bellinger, the Chicago Cubs have not stopped looking elsewhere. The North Siders are looking to become contenders again like they were in the 2010s. Through a well-planned rebuild, they have quietly built a formidable roster. Now they’re looking to use that depth to target star players like Bo Bichette. Will the shortstop leave the Maple Country for Chi-Town?

Bo Bichette has been linked with the Cubs for two years now but they’ve never managed to get him. So why are they going for him again? What does Bichette add to the already roaring Chicago Cubs team?

Chicago Cubs have an array of players they can trade for Bo Bichette

Although the Chicago Cubs recently emerged as big candidates for Shohei Ohtani, they still need to build a stronger team to attract him. Perhaps that’s why they are trying to strike trade deals in the market right now. Jon Morosi discussed with MLB Network how far their interest in bringing Bichette to Chicago goes. They even have the necessary players to make the trade.

“A name that first emerged for them last offseason Bo Bichette. Now already have a shortstop of course…but they do have an opening in third base and Bo Bichette has two years left before his free agency. The reason why this makes a lot of sense is that the Cubs have a tremendous depth of prospects from which to trade.”

Morosi named one particular prospect, Owen Casey. The Canadian player is a huge prospect and they could look to trade him to the Toronto Blue Jays for Bichette. While the Jays would get local talent, the North Siders would get a hitter who never seems to miss.

Read more: Struggling Blue Jays Ace Sees Another Setback as Trade Rumors Surface, Signaling an Unfortunate Toronto Departure

The Jays fans consider this deal to be highly implausible. But it does make one wonder – with just two years remaining in his free agency, the Blue Jays should at least theoretically look to get something for Bichette. But why are the Cubs so interested in the slugger?

Bo Bichette would cover the loss of Cody Bellinger

It is to be remembered that the Cubs did lose Cody Bellinger this year. It’ll be well and good if they get him back but if he chooses a different club, it leaves a huge hole in their hitting department. That’s where Bichette could step in.

Another important factor is that he may indirectly affect the Ohtani pursuit. The Cubs have already hired Craig Counsell to show their ambition; getting Bichette would prove to Shotime that they’re ready to build a winning team for him. What if this affects his decision? That’s a chance the Chi-Town team is willing to take.

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