Depends on so many factors. If healthy/effective, Horton will get a look next year. Caissie and Shaw are pretty much ready. Triantos is close to ready and also a bit redundant with Shaw (particularly with Smith coming). Moises bat is probably close to ready, but he was 20 this year and I think they’re still interested in him as a catcher and I’d guess that he starts in Iowa and they give him time with the glove and to see if he just forces his way up. Alcantara is pretty close and Smith/Rojas need more time.
The issue with those guys, especially if Bellinger opts in, is that literally every position is filled with a guy under contract/control for 2+ years except maybe C. So trades likely have to happen, whether it’s shipping a couple prospects out for a quality return back or trading out a starter or two. Nico has the most value in trade as a 4+ WAR player who can play GG level D at 2 positions and give you an above-average contact bat.
One thing I would caution is that I see a lot of commentary on social media that replacing Nico with Shaw is an upgrade from Day 1. First, Shaw will go through adjustment phases like any rookie. Second, Cubs would be giving up a potentially significant amount on D, which is fine, but then Shaw has to make that up with the bat (or you have to make that difference up somewhere else). I’d support moving Nico in the right deal, but it’s not a slam-dunk auto-upgrade.
