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

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.