Chicago Cubs: 3 offseason moves that won’t break the bank

The Chicago Cubs have zero reason to not add at least one high-profile piece this winter in free agency. But at the end of the day, that might not matter. Jed Hoyer and Tom Ricketts might take a more cautious approach as they attempt to build the next winner on the North Side, whether we like it or not.

We’ve talked a lot about moves like adding Carlos Correa to take over at shortstop or bringing back Nick Castellanos to anchor the offense. Again, those things might happen. But if Chicago decides to take things slow and steady, that doesn’t mean they can’t dramatically improve the team at the same time.

Chicago Cubs: Josh Harrison has experienced a resurgence in the last two years

Following an absolutely brutal showing in 2019, more than a few folks thought Josh Harrison’s days in the league were numbered. Guys his age just weren’t getting legitimate opportunities, with organizations opting for younger, more cost-effective options instead. But since the beginning of 2020, the veteran has shown he’s got plenty left in the tank.

All he’s done during that stretch, a span of 134 games, is hit .287/.361/.425 – good for offensive production 20 percent better than league average. He’s done so while seeing time all over the infield and even some reps in the outfield, as well, spending time with the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics.

Harrison would be a nice get for Chicago on multiple fronts. The club lacks a number of veteran leaders and he’s long been known as a big clubhouse guy. Add in his versatility and age, which should keep his price tag in a more palatable range, and it’s easy to see how the Cubs could be a perfect match.

Chicago Cubs might be priced out of a Chris Taylor pursuit after his big year

Chris Taylor, for whatever reason, gets overshadowed in Los Angeles – despite being one of the most versatile, consistent guys on that roster. On the year, Taylor is batting .278/.367/.476 – nearly identical to what he did a year ago when the Dodgers won it all.

Just a couple weeks shy of his 31st birthday, Taylor could be in for a solid payday this winter. I mean, if teams get into a bidding war over Taylor, I’d cut my losses and take Harrison (who has put up basically the same numbers of late) – but you like the veteran presence and the fact Taylor has known nothing but winning. He can help bring that mentality back to the North Side.

Taylor runs well, can give the Cubs a true leadoff presence and everyday center fielder and doesn’t chase out of the zone. That’s something we haven’t seen on a roster here at Wrigley in some time and could help Hoyer transition the lineup to a badly needed refresh at the plate.

All this to say, there are a lot of guys out there who would immediately give this Chicago ball club a major boost – who don’t cost nine figures. There’s a lot of uncertainty heading into this offseason with the CBA and whatnot, but it’s never too early to start thinking through moves the Cubs could make as they embark on this re-tooling effort.