Why I set up this trade: Considering Cubs GM, Carter Hawkins, used to work for the Guardians, it makes sense that the two teams would make a trade since Hawkins knows the system really well. I was tempted to do a straight-up Contreras for Nolan Jones, but I don't think the Guardians would move one of their top guys for a 2 month rental that they have no chance of resigning. The Guardians have such a great track record of producing pitching prospects, that I think the Cubs would identify pitchers that aren't the top-level of Cleveland's system, but would still be really good pieces. Tanner Burns (23 year old RHP starter) is doing well in AA right now and he would give the Cubs a much needed additional starter to a system that desperately needs more of them. Joey Cantillo (22 year old LHP starter) is also doing really well in AA right now and even if he doesn't remain a starter -- having a LHP reliever would be so beneficial to the organization. The highlight of the trade is actually Angel Martinez, the 20 year old INF who currently has a wRC+ 139 in A+. Even though the Cubs have numerous INFs in their lower levels (Cristian Hernandez, Kevin Made, an injured Ed Howard), I still would consider this for the Cubs because Martinez would add depth and quality. I'm not concerned about a potential logjam of SSs in A+/A, because these things tend to 'work themselves out' and I'm confident these players could switch between SS and 2B as needed. I understand that Cubs fans might hope for a bigger prospect to come back in a trade for Contreras. And it's entirely possible the Cubs hold out and wait for a team to blink and overpay for Willson. Perhaps even the Guardians blink and offer Nolan Jones. It's also possible the Guardians don't trade for any player with only 2 months remaining on their contract since that is not their M-O. But Hawkins's former Cleveland connections and the depth of the Guardians's system makes a lot trade possibilities with the Cubs.

ChicagoWhales, I thought your comments were well thought out and made a lot of sense. Thank you for looking at any trade from both teams' viewpoint. I agree with your last paragraph that I don't see Cleveland trading for a rental. If they would, I think your proposal is closer than others than have been presented here.

Personally, I love looking at trades with thoughtful explanations. I think Cleveland would consider this, although based on Cantillo's performance this year they might value him higher than the model and look to retain him. The Guardians certainly have the pitching depth to mix and match here.

This is a good example of how the majority on this site should behave. It's considerate and well thought out even if I don't agree with everything said. Thanks CW, it's appreciated. There have been no rumors or whispers of Cantillo becoming a BP arm and he is pitching very well in AA. I think Burns is more likely to be a BP buy, but he's doing well as a starter so it's anybody's guess. I can't see Chernoff and/or Antonetti signing off on this deal for the short term control of Contreras. If he had another year of control then this deal could probably be more realistic. As far as I know Hawkins maintains a good relationship with Antonetti and Chernoff so there may be a deal to be had here. We'll see in less than a month.