There’s been some pretty healthy debate regarding the potential names in a Manny Machado deal, and for good reason. Between offensive and defensive value, team control, fit with the roster, and organizational depth, such a splashy move has to be reviewed from multiple angles.
Addison Russell has remained at the center of speculation, primarily because he and Machado play the same position and Russell would be rendered superfluous should the Cubs make the deal. Other accommodations could be made, sure, but Occam’s razor tells us Russell’s inclusion in a deal makes the most sense.
The rumors dating back to last December have included other names as well, with Mike Montgomery’s being the most prominent from among the Cubs’ 25-man roster.