I wonder if this might make Murphy more attractive as a free agent? The other option would be Harper with Zobrist/Happ at 2B or Machado for SS and Baez to 2B.
Murphy needs to go to a team that can use him at 1B or DH. He's done as a second baseman after this year, I think.
The Cubs probably do need to do something in the middle infield this offseason now, though. Outside of Machado, the free agent market doesn't look good unless you expect a Brian Dozier rebound or you buy into DJ LeMahieu outside of Coors.
If they don't go after Machado, who is going to be available in trades? The Royals should deal Whit Merrifield and he seems like a good fit, but they don't seem to be willing to commit to a full rebuild. The Rangers may be tearing down, so I guess I could be convinced that Elvis Andrus wouldn't be terrible if his early season wrist injury caused his down year. And Zack Cozart for Tyler Chatwood would be salary neutral trade of two disappointing free agents who might benefit from a fresh start. Anyone else?