3 free agents the Cubs have no chance at landing this winter

The Chicago Cubs are an organization on the rise. The team’s farm system now ranks in the top third of the league, the front office has sent clear signals it’s ready to turn the page on the past once and for all and there are mountains of money to spend this winter.

That alignment of circumstances has Cubs fans dreaming of blockbuster trades and high-profile free agent signings before the 2022 season has even drawn to a close. There’s no reason Chicago shouldn’t be among the busiest teams in baseball this winter – but there are 3 players who aren’t going to be wearing a Cubs uniform come Opening Day 2023, no matter how badly you might want them to.

3 free agents the Cubs have no chance at landing: #3 – Jacob deGrom

This Cubs team desperately needs an ace atop the rotation next year. Kyle Hendricks, at this point, is, at best, a back end presence – and not a reliable one, at that. Guys like Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson, as impressive as they’ve both been, are still very raw and will have to follow up their 2022 showings again next year.

In a dream scenario, Jacob deGrom, arguably the best pitcher in baseball when he’s healthy, comes to the North Side and shoves to close out his career. But I have a hard time believing Mets owner Steve Cohen will let such a thing happen. After all, this guy basically prints money – and he knows what deGrom means to his team.

"“Listen, he certainly has the right to do that. We love Jacob, and I think he’s the best pitcher in baseball,” Cohen told The Post over the weekend. “We’ll do whatever we can to make sure he stays. But it’s his decision, not ours.”"

deGrom is a perfect fit for the Cubs – but I think Cohen is going to give him a deal that’s right in line with what the Mets handed Max Scherzer last winter, which will be enough to scare off any other interested party, including the Cubs.