3 moves Cubs need to complete before CBA drama throws offseason plans into chaos

As the calendar creeps closer to October, there will be an added focus on the offseason ahead. Of course, the Chicago Cubs are angling toward making the playoffs, and that certainly is the priority, but that doesn't ignore the reality that as soon as the Cubs stop playing this year, decisions will need to be made.

Also coming into focus will be the looming work stoppage. ESPN recently polled players, and the consensus was there will be a lockout once the CBA expires on December 1. While offseason activity will come to a screeching halt after that, it's fair to suggest that there will be a flurry of moves before teams are forced to wait for the new rules to play by.

Here's the moves the Cubs need to make before the current CBA expires

It's more or less what happened last time the CBA expired, and the Chicago Cubs were among the teams to get in on the action, signing Marcus Stroman to a three-year deal on the day the previous CBA expired in 2021.

Re-sign Seiya Suzuki

There likely will be a player or two willing to take their chances and see what the landscape looks like with the new CBA, but for context, Suzuki isn't represented by Scott Boras. Along those lines, it would seem like there's a strong chance that Suzuki, who values comfort, looks to head into the CBA uncertainty already having his free agency resolved. He's still positioned to get paid, and the Cubs should be eager to get a deal done.

Re-sign Clay Holmes

If Tarik Skubal signs before the current CBA expires, chances are Clay Holmes will as well. If Skubal waits, Holmes will wait. Regardless of scenario, Holmes needs to be the top priority for the Cubs this offseason. They will have needs across their entire pitching staff, but bringing back Holmes early in the offseason would add some stability to their search for starting pitching.

Add a veteran catcher

In a perfect world, the Cubs would re-sign Carson Kelly. That said, assuming Suzuki and Holmes are higher up on the priority chain, it does seem likely that Kelly is back with the Cubs next season. Given the success he's had over the last two years, a healthy multi-year deal is in his future. The Cubs might think they're fine with a tandem of Miguel Amaya and Owen Ayers in 2027, but they should be paying close attention to Amaya's struggles over the past month. They will need more at the position, regardless of how soon Ayers is ready.

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