The Chicago Cubs are fresh off of a 2021 campaign that saw them trade three of their biggest stars in franchise history. The Cubs rebuild became official when they dealt Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez away last season ahead of the trade deadline. And Chicago will likely endure a similar fate prior to the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

The Cubs are battling for third place in the NL Central. The division is a clear two-horse race between the Brewers and Cardinals. So Chicago is preparing to sell at the deadline. But which players should they trade?

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4 players Cubs must trade ahead of 2022 MLB trade deadline

Kyle Hendricks

This may be the last opportunity for the Cubs to receive decent value for Kyle Hendricks. The soft tossing right-hander hasn't produced good results since 2020 and is 32 years old. But he is under contract for the next couple of seasons and isn't owed a ton of money. According to Spotrac, Hendricks will be owed $14 million in 2023 and $16 million in 2024.

So instead of holding onto Hendricks and paying him that money, they may as well deal him at the deadline to a team desperate for starting pitching. Teams such as the Twins, Phillies, Blue Jays, White Sox, and Angels would make sense as landing destinations for Hendricks.

Chicago can't expect to get much of a haul back for him, but he isn't a part of their future at this point in his career. So dealing him away is the best course of action.

David Robertson

The signing of David Robertson has worked to perfection for the Cubs. Chicago inked him to a 1-year, $3.5 million dollar contract in the offseason. And the veteran reliever has pitched to the tune of a 1.95 ERA to go along with 11 saves. There will be no shortage of suitors in the coming weeks inquiring about Robertson.

Chicago should be in line to receive a solid return for the right-hander.

Ian Happ

Ian Happ has one year of control remaining on his contract. And the outfielder is in the midst of a breakout campaign. He is slashing .283/.381/.460 with 8 home runs and 5 stolen bases. He will be another player who receives a ton of interest ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

One team that makes sense as a potential fit is the White Sox. Their offense has underperformed and they could use a solid hitting outfielder. In the end, the Cubs could hold onto Ian Happ if they don't receive any intriguing offers on the trade market. But they should be able to get talented prospects in return for Ian Happ.

Wilson Contreras

Wilson Contreras is one the best hitting catchers in baseball. The 30-year old is hitting over 270 with 14 home runs.

Good hitting catchers are a rarity in today's game so Contreras' value will be heightened due to that fact alone. And the Cubs are going to be aggressive in terms of trying to trade him. The last thing they want to see is Contreras walking away in free agency and receiving nothing in return.

The Yankees have been linked to Wilson Contreras as a potential suitor. But there will be a number of interested teams. And Chicago should be able to cash in on his trade value.

The Chicago Cubs could realistically enter August with one of baseball's best farm systems if they capitalize on their current players' trade value.