4 budget free agents the Chicago Cubs should pursue

The Chicago Cubs haven't lost much in the way of starters this offseason so far.

They brought back every single position-player starter from this past season and returned four out of their five starting pitchers, with the lone exception being their number-five starter, Kyle Hendricks, who was very disappointing this past season anyway. It seems that the Cubs signed Hendricks' replacement this past week with the addition of Matthew Boyd.

The Cubs won 83 games last year and may not feel the need to make big changes to their starters, but there are players who could still help them next season.

Here are three budget-free agents that the Cubs should pursue this offseason.

1. Carson Kelly, Catcher

The Cubs have to bring in a catcher to split time with Miguel Amaya and give them someone solid on days he doesn't catch. Kelly is a strong defender, he was in the 76th percentile in fielding run value according to Baseball Savant. Kelly is above average at blocking as well as framing and his ability to catch runners stealing. He isn't an elite bat, but he doesn't strike out much and puts the ball in play. As a backup catcher, he would be an extremely solid addition to this Cubs team. Spotrac has a market value of 2.2 million.

2. Jeff Hoffman, RP

The Cubs need to bolster their bullpen and Hoffman has been a very good relief pitcher for the Phillies for the past two seasons. Hoffman has really improved his game the past two seasons from his time before Philadelphia, seeing his strikeouts per nine innings rise from consistently around nine to twelve. He also had a career-best 2.2 walks per nine innings this past season and made his first all-star team in 2024. The Cubs are losing Drew Smyly to free agency and Hoffman could step in with Tyson Miller and Porter Hodge and give the Cubs a threesome of great relief pitchers. Spotrac has a market value of two years and 6.2 million per year.

3. Jon Berti, utility man

Berti has been a good utility player in his career and that is exactly what the Cubs need from someone on their bench. In the last three years, he has played every position except pitcher, catcher, and first base. This would give the Cubs flexibility when they need to give guys days off. Berti has been a strong defender in his career, posting in the 86th and 88th percentile in outs above average per Baseball Savant. Berti also brings speed and IQ to the basepaths, having stolen 41 bases in 2022. He gets on base at a good clip, with a career .338 on-base percentage, and doesn't strike out much, having just above an 18% strikeout percentage the past two seasons. Berti doesn't bring much power, but he would be a strong addition to the Cubs bench. Spotrac has a market value of one year and 4.3 million dollars.

4. Jesse Winker, OF/DH

The Cubs have four solid outfielders that they use for the three outfield positions and DH. They have some young guys who they could call up and could make a difference in Canario, Alcantara, and Owen Cassie. However, Winker would give them a guy who has already proven he can hit at a high level. Winker was an exceptional hitter for his time in Cincinnati before he was traded and had two down years. He had a strong bounceback year in 2024 and looks to have found himself again. He isn't much of a defender, but with Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field, he can help cover some of that. Winker has a career .804 OPS, which would have been good for second-best on the Cubs last season. Spotrac has a market value of one year and 2.4 million dollars.