Chicago Cubs: Potential offensive targets for Cubs as offseason starts

The offseason is officially here for the Chicago Cubs. With it comes tough decisions. If the team wants to continue to contend, they need more offense.

Well, that did not end the way we had hoped. A valiant second half pushed the Chicago Cubs back to the top of the NL Central and into the playoffs. For the third-straight year, they reached the NLCS. The lack of offense, however, forced manager Joe Maddon‘s hand in using the bullpen more than desired.

As it stands now, the Cubs have $61.4 million in contracts coming off the books. Certainly, some of that will be used to lure Wade David back, and maybe to re-sign Alex Avila to add catcher depth. It would be wise to spend some on Brian Duensing as well. And Jon Jay.

Oh, add another $10 million used in 2017 for Miguel Montero and Brett Anderson. Let’s hope that money goes to sign Jake Arrieta.

Still, tough decisions are to be made by Theo Epstein. Sure, the Cubs need pitching. Everyone needs pitching. But they will need to spend something on offense.

For the season, the Cubs were fourth in the MLB in runs, scoring 822 times. They were 10th in strikeouts, second in walks and fifth in on-base percentage. Not bad. However, something was missing.

A table-setter.

The theory that Kyle Schwarber was capable of leading-off failed. Miserably. The Cubs missed Dexter Fowler more than we want to admit.  Where can they turn to fill that role in 2018? Are there other offensive players the Cubs could target?

You’ve got questions, I have some (possible) answers.