As the MLB trade deadline gets closer and closer, rumors will only ramp up across the baseball world. The Chicago Cubs have been mentioned frequently as buyers at the deadline and do not look to be content with staying as is. The organizational depth of infielders has most people thinking that the Cubs should do the smart thing and deal a prospect, or established player, for pitching reinforcement.

Last year, the Cubs promoted Javier Baez to play second base. Baez had a great debut but struggled mightily with strikeouts the remainder of the season; however, his potential is still through the roof. Many players need extra time to develop their game. That bit of knowledge is what can make Baez a critical piece of any Cubs trade this year. The high-ceiling Baez doesn’t deserve to be called a bust just yet. If it weren’t for injury, he might be back in the major leagues already. The Cubs wouldn’t be wrong for wanting to keep him in the organization, but when playoff berths are on the line, tough decisions need to be made.

The big name always thrown around in a Cubs trade is Starlin Castro. Castro might still be dealt, but his performance this year has been underwhelming, to say the least. His trade value could still be high but that falls completely on the suitor. Unless the Cubs can get a proven player like Ben Zobrist to play second base as Addison Russell slides over to shortstop, Castro is going to stay in a Cubs uniform. Prospect Gleyber Torres is still a few years away from being a legitimate threat to force out Castro from within the organization, assuming that Baez will be moved.

Baez could potentially play third base, shortstop or second base. Castro has only been a shortstop during his time in the majors. It might be a bit late to plug him in at another infield position and expect good results, since you’ll barely get that when he plays shortstop. Also, Castro isn’t a power hitter and doesn’t hit for average either. Baez may be similar in batting average, but he has the potential to be a top slugger. Teams might be more willing to risk it all for Baez than Castro.

Although the Cubs should refrain from selling the farm for any one player, any trade that allows the Cubs to acquire a stud pitcher under team control would most likely need to include Baez. Baez should be more intriguing to teams than Castro because there is still plenty time left for him to prove himself. Everyone knows what to expect from Castro — inconsistency. There isn’t enough time to let Baez get another shot in the majors before the trade deadline. Even though he hasn’t been cleared for game action yet, some teams might have seen enough of him to know they want him at the deadline.

If teams recognize the potential that Baez still has, his days with the Cubs might be coming to an end. For the Cubs to get a quality pitcher, they have to give up an equally talented player. The price of Cole Hamels, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard or a surprising new leadoff hitter will most likely require giving up Baez. Expect the front office to recognize that Baez’s trade value is still high and make a smart move with their once top prospect.