David Robertson Could Pair with Ian Happ or Willson Contreras as Coastal Teams Vie for Splashy Deals

With the Juan Soto deal agreed to and pending some final details, particularly with Eric Hosmer apparently vetoing his inclusion, the focus turns to the next tier of hitters. Ian Happ and Willson Contreras are arguable the two best bats remaining and there is plenty of interest in both, but it could come down to what a team is willing to give up to land David Robertson as well.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand confirmed that the Dodgers are looking at Happ in response to the Padres getting Soto, and LA also wants to add Robertson to the bullpen. The Mets are also interested in Robertson and have long been involved in talks for Willson Contreras, as Feinsand notes.

With Juan Soto seemingly headed to San Diego, the Dodgers are looking at Ian Happ and David Robertson of the Cubs, per sources. Plenty of competition for both players, however. Mets said to be interested in Robertson and Willson Contreras, as well

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 2, 2022

This all tracks because we’ve been hearing for a while now that the Cubs want to bundle a reliever with one or both of their big position players. Robertson is the most coveted of those relievers by a long shot, though Mychael Givens will likely be moved as well. There could also be offers for Wade Miley and Drew Smyly, the latter of whom was mentioned in connection to the Blue Jays in a potential package with Happ.

Everything is going to accelerate very rapidly as the 6pm ET deadline approaches, particularly if the completion of the Soto deal is held up by final negotiations.