Chicago Cubs: Less could be more for the Cubs this offseason

Chicago Cubs: Another hitter

One problem the Cubs clearly need to focus on is their lack of offense at the end of last season. It was essentially what cut their season short in the Wild Card Game and led to the firing of hitting coach Chili Davis.

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It’s easy to react rashly when a season ends so abruptly and sourly, assuming Harper is the only fix for an offense that lacked power in 2018. But there may be other, more cost-effective ways to address the offensive concerns, while still leaving room to solve other problems.

Marwin Gonzalez is one of many possible options to help matters. The free agent and former Houston Astro has been good offensively and can play nearly anywhere on the field. If the Cubs do get rid of Addison Russell, Gonzalez could be one of several players to fill in at second base while Javier Baez shifts over to shortstop permanently.

Better yet, Gonzalez is projected to get a four-year, $36 million deal, making him far less likely to break the bank than Harper or Machado. Signing Gonzalez leaves room to still make some trades and sign other players to improve areas like the bullpen.

Chicago Cubs: Some bullpen backup

The Cubs bullpen ended up being a strength in 2018, but a rash of injuries late in the season left the team without a true closer. If Brandon Morrow rebounds from injury in 2019, he will fill the role of closer. But it would still help to add some bullpen pieces for backup in case Morrow struggles with injuries again. Signing Gonzalez rather than Harper or Machado would allow them to do that.

A couple of viable options for backup include Zach Britton and Andrew Miller. One element the Cubs’ bullpen lacked in 2019 was a power lefty reliever, and either of these two could provide that.

Britton wasn’t great in 2018 with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees, but from 2014 to 2016 he was lights out. His 2018 struggles could help the Cubs get him for a cheaper price.

Miller struggled in 2018 as well, battling injuries throughout the season. But he’s another lefty who could rebound in 2018. From 2014 to 2017, he was one of the best relievers in baseball. He could also be signed for cheaper to improve the bullpen if the Cubs stayed away from Harper or Machado.

Harper or Machado would be beneficial to any team. But in an offseason when the Cubs have more than one issue to address, it might be smarter to spread the wealth and sign a few different, less expensive free agents rather than one superstar.