The Chicago Cubs own a 31-50 record that screams "seller" for the 2012 MLB trade deadline, so it is no surprise they reportedly have multiple players on the block as Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer look to rebuild the franchise. Bryan LaHair is the feel good story of the season for the Cubs, and his .278/.371/.536 triple-slash batting line in 2012 was enough to earn him an All-Star spot, but Chicago is reportedly listening to offers on the powerful lefty. LaHair isn't arbitration eligible until 2015 and is producing well above his $483,000 salary for 2012, so the asking price is elevated even though most experts expect a harsh regression to the mean during the second half of the season. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports that the Cubs "will listen on Bryan LaHair, but the price remains high."
#Cubs will listen on Bryan LaHair, but price remains high at the moment. They don’t have to trade him.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 5, 2012
At 29 years old, LaHair doesn't fit cleanly into the long-term plans of the club, so finding younger talent on a cost-controlled deal is likely the goal in any trade scenario.
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