Blue Jays: Let’s get crazy with five blockbuster ideas

End of an era for the Cubbies?

The last idea that I’d like to present is one that I’d absolutely love to come to fruition, even if there’s a slim to none chance.

Having said that, I think the Cubs would be willing to trade their incumbent third basemen, especially after all the non-tender rumours we’ve heard in recent weeks. As for the rest, here’s what I’ve come up with in this fantasy scenario.

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Blue Jays get: (25.4)

• Yu Darvish
• Kris Bryant

Cubs get: (28.0)

• Simeon Woods Richardson
• Otto Lopez
• Eric Pardinho

I don’t know that the Cubs would be willing to part with Darvish, but the chance to acquire an arm like Woods Ricardson’s may tempt them. He’s the Blue Jays’ 4th ranked prospect right now, and 2nd behind only Nate Pearson, who will soon lose his prospect status. He’s not the type of arm that you typically trade away, but for a chance to get Darvish and his multiple years of control, it’s not out of the question. Bryant would come on an expiring contract, but it’s a good situation to join in Toronto, and they’d have a year to convince him to stay. His ability to play third base and in the corner outfield spots is a huge plus, as well his MVP resume.

The Blue Jays also send their 13th ranked prospect in infielder Otto Lopez, and Eric Pardinho, who has lost a bit of shine in recent years, but still sits at #12 in their system, and is just 19 years old despite his experience. That might not seem like enough to get both Darvish and Bryant, but you have to remember that the latter is bordering on a giveaway at this point, as the Cubs legitimately considered non-tendering him. The Blue Jays might have to step up the offer a bit more than this, but Woods Richardson on his own has a ton of value. Darvish has three years and 59 million remaining on his deal. 

Now that I’ve thrown five ideas on the table, is there one in particular that stands out as possible, or as the most exciting? Is there a better idea that I didn’t consider? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comments section below.