3 big-time free agents the Cubs can sign after the MLB lockout ends

Right under the deadline prior to the MLB lockout hitting, the Chicago Cubs stole the show, swooping in and signing Marcus Stroman to a three-year, $71 million deal. The move gives the team at least three starters (with Stroman joining Kyle Hendricks and Wade Miley) more than capable of giving quality outing every five days.

The best part about that Stroman deal is that it keeps long-term dollars off the books, meaning the team still has tremendous flexibility looking down the road. The Stroman signing turned the offseason from a rather “blah” winter into one that has us all ready to see what comes next for the North Siders.

Bringing in Yan Gomes raised questions about Willson Contreras’ future – but also addressed a glaring weakness on the roster. Taking a risk on Clint Frazier isn’t the worst thing the organization could have done, but it’s far from a lock for serving as a primary offensive problem solver.

Perhaps the biggest return the Cubs got this summer didn’t come in the form of prospects – but rather the freed up funds that could allow Jed Hoyer to keep making moves later this winter. With that being said, let’s take a look at three huge splashes the Cubs can still make before reporting to camp in Arizona next spring.