Chicago Cubs: Are there better value options than Manny Machado?

Chicago Cubs fans have been batting around the idea of landing Manny Machado. But are there better value options that can provide the same pop out there?

The Chicago Cubs have been linked to Manny Machado for months – dating back to ahead of this year’s non-waiver trade deadline. Now that he’s set to hit the open market, those rumors have kicked back up to full-steam.

Most expect he’ll command a deal in the range of $35 million annually. But is he the best value in terms of both money and years?

With Addison Russell’s murky future, the Cubs need a top-drawer middle infielder to compliment Javier Baez.  The Cubs relied on a platoon at second base of Ben Zobrist, Daniel Murphy (who is likely not returning in 2019), Ian Happ, David Bote and Tommy La Stella.

While capable in spot situations none of them are full-time players capable of 130 to 150 games a season. At least not to the level we’d like to see from a club with championship aspirations.