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.

3 free agents the Cubs can still sign after the MLB lockout: #2 – Nick Castellanos

I don’t have to remind you: Nick Castellanos absolutely crushed in 2021. With the Reds, Castellanos slashed a career best .309/.362/.576 with 34 homers while reaching 100 RBI for the second time in his career. The veteran outfielder was blistering hot in the first half of the season especially, slashing .331/.384/.585 with a 150 wRC+ over the course of 84 games.

The 2021 campaign Castellanos put together only further solidified my belief that he alone should be the Cubs’ top offensive target this winter. He simply has the bat that can singlehandedly raise your team’s run per game mark. Though it will cost a pretty penny, Castellanos has already proven himself in blue pinstripes before.

In 177 lifetime plate appearances at Wrigley Field, Castellanos has slashed an earth-scorching .364/.401/.727. Many remember the second half of the 2019 season when Castellanos batted .321/.356/.646 in 51 games. His mark at Wrigley is no small sample size. He crushes in hitter-friendly ball parks and is the perfect fit on offense for the Chicago Cubs.

3 free agents the Cubs can still sign after the MLB lockout: #1 – Carlos Correa

Topping off this list we come to Carlos Correa, who has been loosely connected to the Cubs on a couple occasions this offseason. Correa, love him or hate him, is an incredible ballplayer that quickly makes any team better both on offense and defense. After landing Marcus Stroman, the Cubs proved they are seriously in trying to improve the team and continuing to be aggressive by landing Correa is one of the best ways to do just that.

A two time All-Star, Correa owns a career slash of .277/.356/.481 since 2015 when he won AL Rookie of the Year. In 2021, Correa added to his accolades by earning his first Gold Glove for his remarkable defense at shortstop. Given the groundball-heavy tendencies of Chicago’s pitching staff, adding an elite defender like Correa makes a ton of sense.

The longtime Houston shortstop made it clear from the start: he was fine waiting until the MLB lockout concluded to sign a new deal. Right before things shut down, we heard that the Cubs have been in touch with Correa’s agent – only adding fuel to the fire fans were feeling following the Stroman news on Thursday.

Though nothing is of certainty at this point, especially with how long this lockout will last, it’s another reason to believe the Cubs are back to spending and looking to make a few significant splashes this winter.