3 Players That the Cubs Could Deal Before Opening Day 2015

Perhaps the most difficult struggle throughout winter 2015 in Chicago is not the frigid cold, but instead the anxious await of the return of baseball to Wrigley Field. As the Cubs get into the full swing of spring training, fans of the Lovable Losers can't help but become even more excited about the upcoming season.

It's already been announced that the ballpark itself will not be ready for Opening Day. But fans are hoping that the team on the field will be ready for baseball when the Cubs take on the hated Cardinals on Opening Night, April 5.

The Cubs had a quite successful offseason, adding veteran experience all around. The team strengthened its battery by adding ace Jon Lester and All-Star catcher Miguel Montero, while boosting the leadoff spot by acquiring Dexter Fowler from the Houston Astros.

Though they made many additions, there are still some players that the Cubs could deal in the near future. Here are three players that the Cubs could trade before Opening Day 2015.

Welington Castillo, C

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Though Welington Castillo showed some improvement last year, the Cubs made their own improvements behind the plate by acquiring the All-Star catcher Montero from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Shortly after the deal, it was already reported by CBSChicago.com's Bruce Levine that the Cubs would be looking to trade Castillo.

Though he remains with the team and has stated he would like to do so, Castillo would see very limited playing time with the Cubs. The everyday starting role will go to newly acquired Montero, and it's likely that David Ross will catch Lester's starts.

According to Levine, it's already been established by President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein that Castillo will not be going to the minor leagues, so it's quite likely that he will be traded.

Edwin Jackson, SP/RP

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After signing a a four-year, $52 million contract, former starting pitcher Edwin Jackson has struggled mightily since coming to the North Side. Jackson is 14-33 with a 5.58 ERA in the first two seasons of his contract, including a dismal 6-15 record and 6.33 ERA in 2014.

Jackson was moved to the bullpen at the end of last season, but it was way too late to salvage any value for the 31-year-old. 

The Cubs will not receive much for Jackson, but they hopefully can find a team to pick up some of his salary. Unless they find a way to trade Jackson, the Cubs will be paying $13 million for him to come out of the bullpen.

Levine stated late Monday that Jackson's role is yet to be established with the Cubs. His struggles continued Monday, as he gave up four runs in two innings.

Mike Olt, 1B/3B

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Acquired in the trade that sent Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers, Mike Olt has seen all of the ups and downs that come with being a professional baseball player. Olt was ranked as one of the top prospects in baseball before missing time while struggling with vision issues.

Olt's value has often been questioned in his professional career, so the Cubs may not get a whole lot for him. However, with mega-prospect Kris Bryant soon to be called up and the addition of Tommy La Stella, the Cubs do have other options at third base. They could also experiment with Javier Baez or Starlin Castro at third base, given the excess of infielders in the Cubs system.

Trading Olt would require that the Cubs acquire a backup first baseman to Anthony Rizzo, as Olt is currently the only first base backup on the Cubs depth chart.

Given Olt's hot start in spring training with two home runs, the Cubs could make a deal in the near future and try to get the most out of his quick start.