Chicago Cubs: Breaking down the latest free agent rumors

The offseason is just over a week old and the Hot Stove is starting to warm up. Here are the latest rumors – and how they might impact the Chicago Cubs.

Right now, we don’t really know what the moves the Chicago Cubs make this winter will add up to. The front office is currently up to their eyes in an internal overhaul that’s seemingly left no stone unturned either in the offices at Gallagher Way or on David Ross‘ coaching staff.

Meanwhile, Tom Ricketts is once again sending a lot of messages that seem to indicate the Cubs won’t be big players this offseason – something that, for a lot of fans, would be nothing short of unforgivable after the team missed the postseason for the first time since 2014.

Chicago has already shed a decent amount by virtue of departing free agents and declined team options – but it’ll take more than that to reshape an 84-win club.

There are plenty of guys not named Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon available this offseason – that’s just in the free agent pool. Add in the likes of countless players who could be available via trade and this has the potential to be an offseason filled with moves, even for teams like Chicago that are deciding whether to go all-in or extend their window and sacrificing 2020, to a degree.

Chicago Cubs: Bumgarner likely isn’t a fit for Chicago in 2020

As much as I’d like to see Jon Lester pass the torch to Madison Bumgarner as the team’s go-to left-hander next year, that’s probably not in the cards.

Projections have the longtime San Francisco ace slated for a four-year deal in the $70-80 million range. In other words, barring some major moves to shed payroll, likely out of the Cubs’ preferred price range. Epstein declined to offer outgoing left-hander Cole Hamels a qualifying offer – and, despite the fact Bumgarner is younger – it’s hard to see him dedicating even more money to his replacement.

The big southpaw bounced back after a pair of injury-shortened seasons in 2017 and 2018 to eclipse the 200-inning mark and average north of a strikeout per frame this year. He worked to a respectable 3.90 FIP and 1.127 WHIP in a league-leading 34 outings which, while a far cry from his dominant days earlier in his career, still offer a lot to any club.

According to the latest rumors, the Atlanta Braves are looking to add Bumgarner to the mix. The North Carolina native would undoubtedly love to play closer to his North Carolina home – and the Braves could use a stabilizing force in their still-young rotation.

Atlanta having Bumgarner, one of this generation’s premier postseason pitchers, in tow would only boost their chances of not only returning to the postseason in 2020 – but getting over the hump and appearing in a World Series for the first time since 1999.

Chicago Cubs: Gardner would fit in Chicago, but could be back in New York

For years, I’ve really liked what Brett Gardner brings to the table. Before he signed his extension with New York, I desperately wanted him to patrol the outfield at Wrigley Field. Now, poised to hit free agency this winter, it appears as if the veteran is staying put.

According to Jon Heyman, the two sides are discussing a new deal with Gardner coming off the best offensive season of his career at age 36. That’s not to suggest the Yankees don’t have other options – youngsters Mike Tauchman and Clint Frazier are waiting in the wings – but the gritty veteran undoubtedly brings that established presence to the table.

Of course, one of the Chicago Cubs’ most glaring needs is center field. Albert Almora may very well be non-tendered or traded and Ian Happ projects more as a utility player than an everyday center fielder.

Jason Heyward could play center, but is far superior in right field, where he’s spent the majority of his career. Gardner might make sense for Chicago – but it looks like it might not even be worth the time to discuss the fit with the outfielder talking with the team he’s spent his entire 12-year career with.

Aside from the hiring of a new bullpen coach to replace the outgoing Lester Strode and the team moving on from Chris Denorfia as the quality assurance coach, there’s been little news for the Cubs so far. That will change, though – and even though they’re not tied directly to these guys, moves tend to have a ripple effect in the offseason.