Chicago Cubs: Potential free agent signings

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This year’s free agent class is absolutely loaded with top-tier talent. With so many teams vying for a superstar, will the Chicago Cubs land their guy?

It’s clear. The Chicago Cubs don’t have to sell free agents on what Chicago has to offer – at least, not like they used to. The club landed some major names in recent years – Jon Lester, Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward – even Brandon Morrow this winter.

Knowing that, this winter could be very exciting.

This list starts with the huge elephant in the room. The rumors are there, the connections are there from multiple places, and he would be a natural fit. Kyle Schwarber–Albert Almora–Bryce Harper outfield with Jason Heyward subbing in for both guys at points. Should the Cubs’ sign Harper, expect Ian Happ to be traded away.

Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant grew up together and played on the same Little League team. Their wives are best friends. Harper is only 26 and is entering the prime of his career. He would provide some thump in between Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.

This comes with a disclaimer, though. Harper’s season this year has not been up to his standards. This season, the numbers may not look great, but he has 19 dingers and a 17.1 percent walk rate. Those are Harper-esque numbers. His current team, the Nationals, are managed by former Cubs’ bench coach Dave Martinez. Maybe Dave can give Bryce some words of encouragement this offseason, huh?

Manny Machado

Here’s a rumor that’s been gaining more steam in recent weeks. First, there was the announcement in the offseason that Dan Duquette wanted to trade Machado in the last year of his deal. The Cubs, White Sox and Cardinals all inquired, but no deal could be reached. The Cubs continued those talks into the regular season, but have since died down.

Those three teams will be among the main suitors in the offseason, as well. Earlier this week, the Arizona Diamondbacks also emerged as a suitor. With Machado, it is simple. He is an elite third baseman, above-average shortstop, and an elite power hitter.

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The Cubs already have an elite defensive shortstop and an above-average third baseman, along with Javy Baez, who is elite at third and an average defender at short. The Cubs are fine along the infield, but when a generational player like Machado comes along, it’s hard to pass that opportunity up.

Craig Kimbrel

A bit unlikely, since the Cubs’ bullpen is already really good and Brandon Morrow has been very good in his own right. But like any other position, there is a chance to shore up a position and make it even better than it was.

Kimbrel has a career ERA of under 2.00, and over 300 saves. He’s only 30. An argument can be made for him as the best reliever in baseball. He likely stays in Boston or might even go back to his original organization, the Braves.

Still, Morrow setting up Kimbrel? We wouldn’t mind seeing that at Wrigley Field next summer.

Andrew Miller

The perfect Joe Maddon type of pitcher. Versatile, quirky, and the Cubs already tried to acquire him once. Kyle Schwarber for Andrew Miller? Theo Epstein says ‘no’. Since becoming a full-time reliever back in 2012, Miller has posted an ERA over 3.00 just one time, and has posted an ERA of under 2.00 in consecutive years.

What might shy the Cubs away is not only the fact that he is 33, but he has battled injuries this year to a 4.40 ERA. If they believe they can get elite Miller back, the Cubs could take a chance at another outstanding bullpen arm.

Martin Maldonado

Ever since Willson Contreras has hit the big leagues, he has not had a consistent veteran back up behind him. Chris Gimenez is currently in that role. Maldonado is outstanding behind the plate and could really help Contreras take the next step forward in his game. Last season, Maldonado won the Gold Glove while posting 22 DRS behind the dish. In his career as a catcher, he has 64 DRS.

Next: Morrow hits the DL with freak back injury

His career slash line of .221/.292/.349 and a 73 wRC+ is typically what you see of a defense-first catcher. The Cubs don’t normally go this route, and Maldonado has been an everyday starter since joining the Angels, so he may not want a back up role. If the boys in blue are looking to shore up the role long-term, Maldonado is a guy who should be their first call.

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Chicago Cubs: A way-too-early look at this winter’s free agent class