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.