Chicago Cubs: Looking ahead to a 2020 free-agent wish list

Chicago Cubs: Bringing one of the best to the Northside

Gerrit Cole, SP, Houston Astros

Topping this wishlist of free-agent acquisitions is none other than Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole. While Cole is not seen as the ‘ace’ of Houston, that title belongs to Justin Verlander. Cole is still an outstanding pitcher who has found exceptional success in the Space City.

The Astros acquired Cole in the 2018 offseason in a package deal, and since his arrival, he has been lights out. In his first season and a half for Houston, Cole has carried an incredible 2.97 ERA. To add to his success, Cole has posted a ridiculous 35.7% strikeout rate to just a 7.4% walk rate.

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During his 330 innings since the trade, Cole has held opposing hitters to just a .203 average, while simultaneously posting a 1.03 WHIP, 2.87 FIP, and 2.85 xFIP respectively. If not for Verlander, Cole would unanimously be considered Houston’s top starting pitcher.

Cole is currently on a one-year/$13.5 million contract with the Astros. Per Spotrac, his market value sits at a whopping $23 million per year, which currently ranks 12th among all starting pitchers. The expected contract for Cole based on that market value, should he decide to leave Houston, is six years/$138,012,930.

For Chicago, they have several players currently heading into next season with a club option. If they decide to avoid exercising those specific options, there could but funds available to swing a deal for Cole.

Starting pitcher Jose Quintana can be bought out for $1 million to save the team the $10 million he is due next season. Brad Brach is in the same boat, where they can save $5 million with a $100,000 buyout. Brandon Kintzler is an unrestricted free agent after this season and is on the hook for $5 million, and newest backup catcher Martin Maldonado would save $2.5 million as a UFA heading into next season.

While the likelihood again is minimal as there are a number of teams who will inevitably be vying for Cole’s service. There could be a possible workaround to lure him to Chicago as part of next seasons staff, and that would be sweet.

Chicago Cubs: Incredible consistency at the dish

Nicholas Castellanos, RF, Detroit Tigers

Currently, rumors are abounding about the possibility of the Cubs adding Detroit Tigers right fielder Nicholas Castellanos at the trade deadline. Chicago has been linked multiple times within the last year to Castellanos. While nothing is imminent on the market, Castellanos is set to become a free agent after this season and could be an excellent fit for Chicago.

The 2018 campaign was a career-year for Castellanos. He slashed .298/.354/.500 with 23 home runs and 89 RBI. To that, he added a career-best .363 wOBA and 130 wRC+. Castellanos also managed to stay healthy, missing only five regular-season games.

This season has been another solidly impressive year for Castellanos. Through his first 91 games, Castellanos is slashing .280/.340/.467 with ten home runs and 35 RBI. Once again he is playing above average, posting a .340 wOBA and 112 wRC+.

Detroit has Castellanos under contract on a one-year deal worth $9.95 million contracts. If the Tigers are not able to trade Castellanos before this year’s deadline, it sounds like he will become a free agent.

Last season, now current Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder A.J. Pollock landed a four-year/$55 million contract. The Philadelphia Phillies signed Andrew McCutchen to a three-year/$50 million deal. Castellanos is younger than both guys and has shown incredible consistency throughout his career, meaning he could get paid after this season.

Rumors are flying about potential moves from the Cubs at the deadline surrounding their outfield. Albert Almora and Kyle Schwarber are involved in their own trade rumors as possible trade chips. If the team can deal one of these guys, that will open the door for Castellanos, and that would be just fine.

Chicago Cubs: Another infield option to consider

Didi Gregorius, SS, New York Yankees

The final guy on this free-agent wish list is none other than New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius. As one of the intriguing names in an otherwise relatively weak free-agent class, Gregorius is a name who should be considered by the Cubs.

While Gregorius is 29 years old and has dealt with injury troubles this season, his past two years have been career-years. He could serve well if the club were to move on from Addison Russell. Over the previous two seasons, Gregorius is slashing .277/.326/.486 with a .812 OPS. In that time he has managed a .342 wOBA and 114 wRC+.

Gregorius is also coming off back-to-back 25+ home runs seasons. In 2017, he hit 27 home runs. Last year, he hit 25. One thing to like about Gregorius is his consistently low strikeout rate. In each of those two years, Gregorius was able to keep it to 12.3% and 12.1%, respectively.

The Yankees currently have Gregorius on a one-year/$11.75 million contract. Per Spotrac, the market AAV is much higher, close to $23 million per year. As an aging shortstop coming off an injury, it would be hard-pressed to see Gregorius receiving that kind of money.

The Cubs could be players by offering him a multi-year contract at a lower rate. However, they should not overpay for Gregorius. The Yankees signed DJ LeMahieu to a two-year contract, and if the Cubs can get Gregorius on a similar deal, they should pull the trigger.