Chicago Cubs Trade Speculation: 5 Youngsters Who Could Help Cubbies' Future

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The Chicago Cubs are planning for the future. There is no doubt about that.

As the trade deadline rolls around, they will be looking to acquire teams' top prospects in trades. The Cubs need some pitching, outfielders and infielders. Basically, the Cubbies are looking to re-vamp everything other than their middle infielders.

So, based completely on my speculation, I have compiled a list of five players the Cubs should look at. Each player is in a farm system, and the Cubs have been rumored to be making a deal with that club. Feel free to let me know what you think about each player.

Stetson Allie, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates would be wise to keep the team they have, but they may be tempted to make a move. If they want to deal with the Chicago Cubs, Stetson Allie could come into play.

Allie is a hard-throwing pitcher who routinely hits triple digits. The Cubs would love to have such a strong arm in their rotation. While Allie is still developing his changeup, he has a very good chance of becoming a dominant pitcher in the majors some day.

The Cubs' talks with the Pirates have calmed down, but if they pick back up, the Cubs might be able to land Allie.

Kaleb Cowart, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Aramis Ramirez may be heading to Los Angeles. If that turns out to be the case, the Cubs may ask for a third baseman in return.

The Angels have Kaleb Cowart. He is physically gifted, and if he can start to refine his game, he could make an impact soon. He is still unproven, but he has all the tools to become a great player.

Ramirez would have to waive his no-trade clause (which he says he won't do) in order for this deal to happen. Maybe, the Cubs would like him to waive it. In doing so, they could acquire Cowart and possibly another prospect, which would better prepare them for the future.

Joe Gardner, Cleveland Indians

Joe Gardner is one of the top prospects in the Cleveland Indians organization. The Chicago Cubs have been in talks with the Indians, and Gardner could be someone who comes back to Chicago.

He hasn't pitched very well for Akron this year (7-7, 4.79 ERA), but he is a starter who can maintain his poise on the mound.

As long as he stays disciplined with his mechanics, Gardner can be a very effective pitcher. When he becomes inconsistent, he starts to get hit.

If he can put everything together, Gardner could become a solid starting pitcher for the Cubs, which is something that has eluded them for a few years.

Gorkys Hernandez, Pittsburgh Pirates

Gorkys Hernandez is an outfielder with a lot of speed.

He has exceptional range, and he has a knack for stealing some bases. The Cubs are not very good at manufacturing runs, but Hernandez could help change that.

If they are able to make a deal for the Pirates prospect, he could make an impact down the road.

Hernandez is a work in progress, but I don't think the Cubs should shy away from asking for him in a potential deal.

Tony Sanchez, Pittsburgh Pirates

Tony Sanchez is the top catching prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He can do a little bit of everything, which is tough to find in catching prospects.

The Cubs could be looking to deal Geovany Soto. In that case, they would need to find another catcher.

Despite having Welington Castillo, the Cubs will always be looking for an upgrade. Sanchez could fit perfectly once Soto is gone.

Assuming Sanchez refrains from any more stupid tweets, he could become a very solid major leaguer.