Chicago Cubs Offseason: Five free agents this team doesn’t need

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
4 of 6
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 24: Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays heads out to field prior to the first inning during MLB game action against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on September 24, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 24: Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays heads out to field prior to the first inning during MLB game action against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on September 24, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs don’t need another outfielder

We all remember Jose Bautista’s clutch walk-off for the Toronto Blue Jays a few years back. It emerged as one of the most memorable moments of the 2015 postseason. But, after a disappointing 2017 performance, there are a lot of questions surrounding the outfielder.

Yes, he’s a walk-generating machine who was once formidable with the lumber. The Toronto great floundered last season from the leadoff position. He batted just .203 last season and hasn’t eclipsed the .250 mark in a few years. After his run of six-straight All-Star appearances snapped after 2015, things have been trending downward in a big way.

The Cubs’ need for a respectable leadoff presence may be limited with this year’s class of free agents. With that said, Bautista will receive employment from one lucky team shedding players to cut cap space. Miami? Maybe not, but it won’t be Wrigleyville.

Schedule