Javier Baez Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Cubs Prospect

With Javier Baez recently coming off the disabled list, the 22-year-old slugger in Triple-A for the Chicago Cubs could become an attractive trade commodity if the team wants to upgrade the big-league roster. 

Continue for updates. 

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CBS Sports: Padres Express Interest in Baez

Wednesday, July 29

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Cubs and San Diego Padres have had some discussions about a potential trade involving Baez:

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The Padres, looking for shortstop, infielders, lefty bats and young controllable pieces while soliciting offers for just about anyone, have talked to the Cubs about slugging prospect Javier Baez.

There's potential for a match with the Padres, and the sides have had discussions in recent days. Pitcher Andrew Cashner, as a former Cub, is one guy who could fit them. Cubs GM Jed Hoyer had Cashner when he was in San Diego but traded him when he got to Chicago in a deal for Anthony Rizzo.

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The Padres seem to be taking all avenues to do something major before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. ESPN's Jayson Stark reported that San Diego is "flooding" the pitching market with controllable pitchers like Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and James Shields. 

Baez is certainly a piece that most teams would find attractive. He's had a difficult 2015 season in terms of staying healthy, but the former first-round pick is hitting a robust .325/.399/.567 in 42 games with Iowa. 

The Cubs are fighting to stay in the wild-card race and have so many young position players in the big leagues that a player like Baez could be deemed expendable if they find the right pitcher for which to make a deal. 

Given Baez's hitting prowess, as well as his MLB readiness, it would likely require a major return for the Cubs to deal the young star.