The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are two of the most iconic franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB). Each has a storied history of championships, legendary players, and passionate fanbases. Their rivalry, however, has often been overshadowed by the Dodgers’ dominance in recent years and the Cubs’ historical struggles to return to their former glory. Yet, the intrigue of a trade between these two powerhouses is always a tantalizing prospect in the world of MLB, especially when one team dreams of acquiring an essential piece from the other.
The Dodgers’ desire to “snatch” an important player from the Cubs could be a move designed to propel them further into the World Series conversation, especially as they continue to build a roster capable of challenging for championships. For the Cubs, this hypothetical transaction could represent a reshaping of their roster as they continue their rebuilding process following their 2016 World Series victory, the first in over a century. The following article explores this dream trade scenario, breaking down the context, the players involved, and the potential impact on both teams.
As we approach the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have continued their success as one of MLB’s elite franchises. Under the leadership of manager Dave Roberts and a front office that has consistently made smart moves, they remain a powerhouse in the National League. Their success is largely built around a mix of established stars, such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw, alongside a strong group of young talent, including Gavin Lux, Julio UrÃas, and others.
However, even with a roster full of talent, the Dodgers have found themselves consistently battling teams like the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets in the postseason. Despite their regular-season dominance, the Dodgers have sometimes fallen short in the playoffs. This has left them looking for that “one piece” to put them over the top — a player who can change the course of a playoff series or even an entire season. It’s no secret that the Dodgers are always in the market for upgrades, particularly for key positions like starting pitching, bullpen help, or an additional bat to bolster their lineup.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs are in a different phase of their organizational journey. After their historic 2016 World Series win, the Cubs have faced challenges in maintaining sustained success. The roster that featured stars like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Báez has undergone significant changes, and the team is now focused on rebuilding around younger talent, such as Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ. Despite flashes of promise, the Cubs have found themselves stuck in a rebuilding cycle, looking to add talent to their roster while keeping an eye on the future.
In this context, a trade between the Dodgers and Cubs could be seen as a move by the Dodgers to further solidify their championship aspirations, while the Cubs could be interested in acquiring prospects or young players that could be part of their future core. So, what could this dream trade look like?
When thinking about a player the Los Angeles Dodgers might want to “snatch” from the Chicago Cubs, a few names come to mind. Given their need for a proven postseason performer and a potential game-changer, one player stands out above the rest — Willson Contreras, the Cubs’ star catcher.
Contreras has long been one of the best catchers in the game, combining elite offensive production with solid defense behind the plate. His power-hitting ability, coupled with his knack for getting on base, makes him a perfect fit for the Dodgers, a team known for its deep lineup and patient approach to hitting. Contreras has always been one of the Cubs’ top performers, and in a trade scenario, he could represent exactly the kind of player the Dodgers need to further strengthen their already stacked offense.
With Austin Barnes as the team’s primary catcher, the Dodgers have had to manage a rather light offensive output from the position. While Barnes is a solid defensive player and a reliable backup, he is not the type of bat that can truly make a difference in a postseason series. The Dodgers have frequently employed a platoon at catcher or utilized a backup who struggles to make a significant impact with the bat. Contreras, however, brings a rare combination of power, patience, and the ability to drive in runs, all of which would make him a formidable presence in the middle of the Dodgers’ order.
Contreras’ hitting profile is particularly appealing to a team like the Dodgers, who are constantly looking for ways to maximize their offensive potential. He has consistently posted 20+ home run seasons and has a career on-base percentage of over .340, making him an ideal fit for a team that relies on getting on base and working deep counts. Additionally, Contreras’ ability to hit for power from the right side gives the Dodgers a balanced offensive attack, which is vital for a team facing a mix of left- and right-handed pitching.
From a defensive standpoint, Contreras is more than capable behind the plate. While he may not have the same elite defensive reputation as some other catchers, his framing ability, solid arm, and general game management make him a reliable presence behind the dish. Contreras also brings leadership qualities that would benefit a Dodgers pitching staff that includes high-caliber arms like Walker Buehler and Julio UrÃas. As a catcher with postseason experience, Contreras could also provide veteran leadership in high-pressure situations.
The question, of course, is whether the Cubs would be willing to part with Contreras. Given his status as one of the team’s most valuable players, it’s unlikely that the Cubs would trade him without receiving significant value in return. However, if the Cubs are looking to continue their rebuilding process and build a more sustainable future, trading Contreras for a combination of prospects and younger players could make sense.
In order for this trade to happen, the Dodgers would likely need to offer a package that includes a mixture of top-tier prospects and players who can help the Cubs in the near future. A potential trade scenario could look like this:
- Los Angeles Dodgers Receive:
- Willson Contreras (C)
- Chicago Cubs Receive:
- Gavin Lux (2B/SS)
- Diego Cartaya (C/Prospect)
- Clayton Beeter (P/Prospect)
Why This Trade Works for the Dodgers
The Dodgers would be getting a proven catcher in Contreras who could immediately make an impact on both sides of the ball. Adding him to an already stacked lineup would give the Dodgers a significant advantage, particularly in the postseason when catching depth and offensive production are crucial. The Dodgers are also getting a player who has experience in big moments and could be an asset to their pitching staff.
For the Cubs, this deal helps them acquire key pieces for their future. Gavin Lux, still relatively young, could step in as the Cubs’ second baseman or shortstop of the future, addressing a key position of need. Diego Cartaya, the Dodgers’ top catching prospect, would be a natural replacement for Contreras, giving the Cubs a long-term solution at catcher. Clayton Beeter, a promising pitching prospect, adds depth to the Cubs’ rotation or bullpen moving forward.
By receiving a combination of established talent and high-upside prospects, the Cubs would be continuing to build for the future, while also moving on from Contreras at a time when his value is still high.
For the Dodgers, acquiring Contreras would give them a considerable advantage both offensively and defensively. The addition of a bat like Contreras’ would help balance their lineup, giving them another potent weapon in the middle of their order. Furthermore, his veteran leadership and experience in the postseason would be invaluable as the Dodgers chase another World Series title. The added stability at catcher could also allow them to focus more on other areas of the roster, knowing that they have a proven performer behind the plate.
In a year where the Dodgers are already one of the top contenders for the National League title, adding Contreras would make them even more formidable. The team’s pitching staff, led by the likes of Buehler, UrÃas, and Kershaw, would benefit from having a catcher who can handle their stuff and work with them to get the most out of their talents.
For the Cubs, this trade would mark another step in their rebuilding process. By acquiring a solid second baseman/shortstop like Lux, a top-tier catching prospect in Cartaya, and a promising pitcher in Beeter, the Cubs would be adding key pieces to their future core. Lux could provide an immediate upgrade at a key infield position, while Cartaya could be their catcher for years to come. Beeter, meanwhile, gives the Cubs another high-upside arm to develop, potentially bolstering their pitching staff in the coming seasons.
While the Cubs would lose a talented player in Contreras, they would be making a long-term investment in youth, positioning themselves for future success while remaining competitive in the immediate term.
In a dream trade scenario between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, acquiring Willson Contreras would represent a bold but potentially rewarding move for the Dodgers as they look to solidify their championship aspirations. For the Cubs, parting with Contreras could help accelerate their rebuilding process, adding valuable assets that could contribute to the team’s success in the future.
While such a trade would be complex and involve significant negotiations, it’s a move that makes sense for both teams, given their current positions and future ambitions. The Dodgers, always looking for that “one piece” to put them over the top, could find that piece in Contreras. Meanwhile, the Cubs, with an eye toward the future, could use this trade as a catalyst to rebuild their roster with an eye on the next championship window.
Ultimately, whether or not this dream trade becomes a reality depends on the willingness of both teams to make the necessary sacrifices and adjustments. But in the world of Major League Baseball, where surprises are always around the corner, a trade like this could be just what both teams need to take their respective next steps toward greatness.
