Cleveland Indians: 5 most likely landing spots for Michael Brantley

Chicago Cubs

Wouldn’t this just be the Tribe’s luck.

Here’s the long shot version of how Brantley ends up on the northside. The Indians trade Carlos Carrasco to the Cubs for a package built around Kyle Schwarber.

But with left field open, the Cubs swing in during free agency and pay Brantley to take up residence in left field.

OK, I’ll take a breath.

Taking out of consideration my trade scenario, the Cubs could just go ahead and sign Brantley, regardless.

It seems as though they won’t be the highest bidder for Bryce Harper, according to recent reports, which means the Cubbies may have to “go on the cheap.”

There are rumors tying the club to Andrew McCutchen, but to that, I’d ask: “Wouldn’t you rather have Michael Brantley.”

Brantley’s simpler a better player than Cutch at this point of their careers, and he might even come a little cheaper.

For a big market team, the Cubs appear as if they’ll have to be frugal with the hot stove, meaning Brantley may be end up being an ideal fit.