Chicago Cubs: Corey Seager needs to be team’s top free agent target

Ah, we’re back to this. The postseason is underway and our team, the Chicago Cubs, aren’t among those vying for a World Series championship. This year, the field seems fairly level – and it’s anybody’s guess who comes away with a title.

The team has major work to do this offseason. But with hardly any financial commitments moving forward, Jed Hoyer is essentially starting with a blank slate. In other words, he’s got the resources to address the roster’s biggest deficiencies. One of those is the shortstop position – which, thankfully, is loaded in the upcoming free agent class. With plenty of options to choose from, one the team needs to have circled is Corey Seager.

The Cubs have a great deal of flexibility with their middle infield but it’s important for them to spend money here. The idea of a Nico Hoerner and Nick Madrigal duo is intriguing, but with Hoerner’s inability to stay healthy so far in his young career it’d be a risk to place our full trust in him.

Sure, Seager has struggled with injuries as of late but the difference is that he has a proven track record of success. Hoerner’s flashed so much potential with this team but until he can show he can stay healthy over the course of a 162-game season with consistent production we should be careful to commit to him as an everyday starter.

Through seven seasons with the Dodgers, Seager has been a superstar. He’s posted a .297 average along with a .367 on-base percentage and .870 OPS. During this time he’s won Rookie of the Year, World Series MVP, NLCS MVP and tallied two All-Star appearances. Even in 2021 where he’s missed over 60 games due to injury, he managed a .306 average, .915 OPS and 3.7 WAR.

Seager is in his final year of control, making $13.75 million, and is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the postseason. With a big contract in his future and the Dodgers’ trade deadline acquisition of Trea Turner, there’s a good chance Seager will not be in a Dodger uniform next season.

Chicago Cubs: Corey Seager will be a building block for years to come

The Cubs have a golden opportunity to come calling. At 27 years old, Seager is in line for a long-term, big money deal. His numbers line up with other big names who signed massive deals at age 27, including Francisco Lindor, Nolan Arenado and Mookie Betts. All three signed deals that ran eight or more years worth at least $250 million.

Not only will the Cubs have money to spend this offseason, but Seager fits what they’re looking for in the future of this organization. He hits for average, gets on base and has some pop. Not only is his contact ability attractive but he has proven to be clutch in the postseason and knows what it takes to win.

As Jed Hoyer builds this next era of Cubs baseball, Seager is a guy that could be a leader in the clubhouse. His postseason experience and personal success give him the tools to help this Cubs team win their next championship.

I know everyone would love to have Javier Baez back but there’s a decent chance he stays with the Mets. Hoyer definitely seems committed to a new type of player that doesn’t match Baez as much as it does Seager.

Hoyer has said they’re going to spend this offseason and this would be a great place to spend. After trading away the core and building blocks of this team, a new foundation needs to be brought in and this is a perfect opportunity. Let’s hope the front office pulls the trigger on a big contract and makes the effort to bring in a player with the caliber of Seager.