The Cubs and Angels could potentially become trading partners if they put their respective players on the trading block. The Angels have already made it known that they will shop pitcher Scott Kazmir this offseason, and the Cubs will certainly try to unload outfielder Kosuke Fukudome before the start of the 2011 season.
Fukudome is set to earn 13.5 million dollars in the final year of his contract and Kazmir will make 12 million dollars, with a 2.5 million dollar buyout for the 2012 season. The numbers match up well enough where a trade could be worked out. Now, let's look at the stats.
Since 2009, Kazmir owns a 5.43 ERA in 50 starts and a record of 18-22, not very impressive. He did, however, have four straight seasons prior to 2009 with 10 wins or more. Fukudome is having the best year of his MLB career, hitting .273 with 12 home runs and a .378 on-base percentage. He's hitting .320 since the All-Star break and could be in for a big 2011 entering a contract year.
The Cubs would probably have to include a low-level prospect if they did the trade straight up, but under the circumstances this could be a trade that benefits both clubs.