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3 under-the-radar outfielders for the Chicago Cubs to consider
As it currently stands, the Chicago Cubs will likely sport a starting outfield on Opening Day 2022 of Ian Happ, Rafael Ortega and Jason Heyward. While it certainly could be a lot worse, especially considering the emphasis placed on the rotation and links to the top shortstops this offseason, the outfield is still a spot the Cubs can commit relatively low amounts of resources to, and still likely see an upgrade.
Corey Dickerson could shore up the Chicago Cubs outfield on the cheap
Though he certainly wouldn’t be a flashy signing, Corey Dickerson could be an appealing option for a couple of reasons. He would cost the team absolutely nothing, as he suffered through injuries and a slow start in his time with Miami before a solid end to the year with Toronto. The former All-Star also could offer an intriguing upside with his bat.
Dickerson has been an above 100 wRC+ bat in seven of his nine MLB seasons, including a 126 wRC+ season as recently as 2019. He also seemed to get back on track in his 43 games in Toronto, slashing .282/.329/.450 (good for an OPS of .779), over 140 plate appearances. Dickerson isn’t a good defender by any stretch, but his price tag, plus his upside at the plate could make him an attractive bottom of the lineup option.
He’d also give the Cubs another badly-needed insurance option behind Heyward in right field. After all, the veteran outfielder missed the end of the year after a baserunning collision that left him on concussion protocols. Even prior to that injury, it was easily the worst season of Heyward’s career.
Veteran Tommy Pham could be a worthwhile gamble for the Chicago Cubs
Though he once upon a time torched the North Siders as a member of the dreaded Redbirds, Cubs fans should forgive and forget when it comes to Tommy Pham. Though he had a rough season that was marred by inconsistency and a scary collision, he has a much more intriguing upside at the plate than Dickerson does.
Pham still was able to scrape together a 1.5 fWAR season last year and had a 3.4 WAR season with Tampa just a few years ago. Pham is likely to command more in free agency than Dickerson, but it’s hard to imagine him getting any more than a one or two-year deal.
Pham has a great penchant for taking walks (.340 OBP in 2021), and if the Cubs can help him find a power stroke, he’d offer legitimate leadoff potential and would be worth taking a chance on. He’s also got experience at all three outfield options, which would boost David Ross’ club in a way that’s sorely needed heading into 2022.
Is it time for Andrew McCutchen to come to the Chicago Cubs?
Sure this isn’t the Andrew McCutchen of old that had MVP potential, but there’s reason to believe that the former Pirate has something left in the tank. Andrew McCutchen is almost certain to sign just a one-year deal coming off a 107 wRC+ year which was the second-lowest of his career, so he’s not someone the Cubs will have to break the bank for.
McCutchen still has a great ability to get on base, as he walked in 12.8 percent of his plate appearances last year, and with a BABIP well below his career average and a .222 ISO, there’s reason to believe that there was a degree of unluckiness in McCutchen’s 2021 season.
Overall, there’s no long-term risk involved with McCutchen, and there’s a real chance to potentially strike gold with him. Also, admit it, you’d get a Cubs McCutchen jersey too.
Next. Cubs Rumors: International star Seiya Suzuki expected to hit market soon. dark
Whether it be McCutchen, Pham, Dickerson, or someone else, the Cubs would be wise to pick up an extra bat for the outfield. While the Cubs still await the arrival of guys like Brennen Davis, or other blooming outfield prospects like Nelson Velasquez, and Owen Caissie, it’s smart to have a short-term solution in an effort to be competitive next season.