Cubs: Best and worst free agent signings all-time, by position

Cubs: Hitting on free agents is not always easy, the history of the Cubs proves that signings are always a gamble regardless of the resume.

The long history of the Chicago Cubs franchise has seen star players come in by all possible means, trades, drafting, free agency, amateur free agency, etc. Free agency itself has been such a mixed bag for the Cubs over the years, but that is pretty much the case with every team. Not every signing is going to go as expected, for better or for worse.

That is what the main focus of this article is going to be. We will look at free agent signings the Cubs have made in their history for each position and determine which ones were the best, and which ones were the worst. Of course, much of this is arbitrary among fans, but some are more obvious than others. We know who many of the absolute best and worst free agent signings of all time are, but it is much more interesting when you look at it by every position.

It is worth noting before proceeding into the slideshow that there are certain criteria for the upcoming list. First, this is free agent signings only, and amateur free agents do not count. Draft and trades obviously do not count, but more specifically trades then signing extensions also do not count. So for example, anyone who was traded here but got an extension or re-signed right away after the deal was done (i.e. Dexter Fowler) will not count. However, guys who left and then came back will count.

Without further ado, here are the best and worst free agent signings in Cubs history by position.