The phrase “Cubs could be forced to trade Fan-Favorite Star” is circulating heavily among analysts, and the name most frequently identified as the primary trade chip is star shortstop Dansby Swanson.
While there is no imminent trade and President Jed Hoyer has made no official comments suggesting he wants to move Swanson, the baseball calculus makes him the most logical, painful candidate for a major transaction.
The Fan-Favorite Star: Dansby Swanson
Swanson, who signed a seven-year, $177 million contract before the 2023 season, has become a massive fan favorite due to his elite defense and leadership, and he is a critical fixture in the clubhouse.
- The Problem: The trade speculation isn’t driven by performance, but by the nature of his contract and the team’s biggest weakness (starting pitching).
- The Contract: Swanson is owed over $100 million through 2029, and analysts argue his trade value will never be higher than it is right now, especially as he ages into his 30s and his elite defense may start to decline.
- The Value Proposition: Trading Swanson would open up both massive payroll flexibility and deliver an enormous haul of prospects or a controllable, established ace pitcher in return.
The Trade Logic: Defense for an Ace
The Cubs’ most glaring need heading into the 2026 season is top-of-the-rotation starting pitching, especially with Justin Steele recovering from Tommy John surgery and the departure of Shota Imanaga.
The consensus rumor is that the Cubs would need to trade a significant star to acquire a true ace like the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal (highly unlikely to be traded) or the Marlins’ Edward Cabrera (highly valued).
- The Proposed Swap: The most frequently discussed trade concept involves sending Swanson, who provides elite defense and solid offense, to a team that needs a high-end shortstop, in exchange for a top-end, controllable starting pitcher or a package of blue-chip prospects who could then be flipped for a pitcher.
- The Replacement: The Cubs have an internal option for shortstop in prospect Matt Shaw, or they could pursue a player like Bo Bichette (via trade or free agency) who is younger and provides a massive offensive upgrade, though at the expense of defense.
The Bottom Line
For the Cubs to acquire the elite pitching they desperately need to compete in 2026, they must be willing to part with a high-value asset. Despite his status as a fan favorite, Dansby Swanson is the player who delivers the most value and addresses the team’s biggest strategic need, making his departure a very real possibility.
