Chicago Cubs Are Desperate NOT To Trade These Two Free Agents

The fire sale is underway on the North Side of Chicago, as the Cubs have already dealt away outfielder Joc Pederson to the Atlanta Braves. But there are two names on the "likely to be traded" list that the Cubs would like to hang on to:

Cubs Will Reportedly Try to Extend Javy Báez and Anthony Rizzo Before Discussing Trades - https://t.co/cJRIYvYi92 pic.twitter.com/KSrYKtrtyD

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 16, 2021

Second baseman Javy Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo are Cubs through-and-through, part of the 2016 World Series team, and with them for the better part of a decade. 

Sources say that the Cubs' front office will first try to strike up contract extensions with the two free agents, before they start offering them up in trade talks ahead of the deadline on July 30th. 

A 5-year, $70 million dollar offer had been turned down by Rizzo back in March, but given his down season and back problems, maybe he'd like to get back to the bargaining table with GM Jed Hoyer. 

Baez is another fan favorite that the Cubs would love to retain, if the price is right (likely a big "if" by all accounts).

Their free-agent brother-in-arms Kris Bryant is not under consideration for an extension at this point, and a trade for him is most likely. 

We considered other Cubs that were most likely to be traded, headed up by closer Craig Kimbrel. 

Jed Hoyer is in for a busy two weeks. 

Photo Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports