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: Andrew Heaney could be a cost-effective rotation solution

Look. It’s no secret – the Cubs starting rotation has been in shambles for most of the year. Chicago starters carry a 4.92 ERA on the year, which ranks 23rd in all of baseball and 13th among 15 Senior Circuit clubs.

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Thankfully, we’re starting to see some young arms get shots at cracking the rotation and making an impression heading into 2022. Justin Steele is the most obvious example and it looks like we’ll get Keegan Thompson taking a start this weekend at Wrigley after being stretched out at Triple-A Iowa in recent weeks.

Adbert Alzolay and Alec Mills could both factor into the team’s rotation plans next season, along with ace Kyle Hendricks, but it’s clear you can’t ever have too many starting pitchers. While you might like the idea of a Justin Verlander or Clayton Kershaw coming to the North Side, a more feasible target could wind up being someone like Andrew Heaney.

Heaney, who was traded to the Yankees at the deadline, twirled a gem against the rival Red Sox his last time out, tossing seven frames of one-run ball. The former top prospect has never really lived up to the hype, making a rebuilding team like the Cubs a perfect destination, as they can afford to put him through the Pitch Lab and let him attempt to work through his issues.

He turns 31 next June, so age isn’t an issue here. Given we’re talking about a guy who carries a career 4.64 ERA, he’s far from a sure thing in terms of what you’re getting, but he might be just the type of pitcher Hoyer hones in on as he looks to flesh out his starting staff.