Chicago Cubs: Signing Bryce Harper, Manny Machado could handicap team

Chicago Cubs: Here’s how these guys could fit in at Wrigley

Make no mistake. Adding either Manny Machado or Bryce Harper to a group that already boasts Baez, Rizzo and Bryant is a tantalizing thought, to say the least.

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The longstanding ties between Bryant and Harper have already made the Cubs the odds-on favorite in Vegas to land the 2015 National League MVP. His dog is named Wrigley, Bryant and Harper’s wives are best friends and the two grew up playing together. In short, the writing is on the wall.

As far as the roster, you’d imagine Jason Heyward (who absolutely will not exercise his opt-out clause this winter) shifts over to center field given his defensive prowess and Harper slides into right field, where he played most of his career. Talk about a defensive juggernaut of an outfield.

Then, left field becomes a matter of who’s left when the dust settles on the offseason: Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ and Albert Almora stand as the likeliest to start in the remaining spot should they be on the roster come Opening Day.

Fitting in Machado is much simpler. The Cubs simply don’t tender Addison Russell a new contract this offseason and then go out and sign Machado. Machado becomes your shortstop, Baez shifts over to second base and all is well in the world.