The Chicago Cubs will continue stacking minor league talent as they are placing their guys on the trading block. The latest trade rumors have the Cubs almost certainly moving outfielders Nate Schierholtz and David DeJesus.
Schierholtz and DeJesus have provided plenty of production. They aren't superstars, but they are fundamentally sound and can inject life into any offense and defense. Schierholtz is having a year to remember. He's posting career numbers in just 89 games played this season. Schieholtz has 14 home runs and 41 RBI. His previous highs? Nine home runs and 41 RBI in 115 games played during the 2011 season with the San Francisco Giants.
DeJesus isn't having his best year, but he could still be a valuable addition. He has six home runs with 24 RBI in 64 games with the Cubs in 2013. Whatever DeJesus doesn't do at the plate, he can do with his glove. His specialty is defense, committing zero errors in 132 opportunities this year.
Speaking Contracts
Both guys are super affordable. Schierholtz, who is 29 years old, is still under club control. He's earning a little over $2.2 million a year and is eligible for arbitration through 2015, when he finally becomes a free agent. DeJesus is signed through 2014, and owed $6.5 million next year, but he comes with a $1.5 million buyout.
Teams Interested
The Pittsburgh Pirates are known suitors for both of these guys. Schierholtz has been tied to the Pirates for quite some time now. It looks they will land either one of these guys. DeJesus fits in a platoon role with Jose Tabata, though an everyday outfielder would have been preferable.
The Texas Rangers haven't been tied to either player, but Schierholtz would make sense in right field, though they are searching for a right-handed batter.
