4 ex-Cubs without a deal as spring training nears (but one reunion is realistic)

The start of spring training is quickly approaching for the Chicago, and they are largely done with the construction of their Opening Day roster. If there is a big move left in the Cubs this offseason, it's likely signing Zac Gallen. Otherwise, they likely will continue to live on the margins, hoping that a veteran fourth outfielder falls into their laps, and never rule out adding more pitching depth.

Of course, the Cubs had their fair share of free agents this offseason. The notable names (Kyle Tucker, Brad Keller, Willi Castro) have found new homes, but there are still several former Cubs players (not just from 2025) still looking for a team to sign with.

1 former Cub who has a realistic chance of returning

Considering the Cubs' desire to find value, there are a number of players they once took a gamble on still available on the free-agent market. Most of those players don't exactly make sense for a reunion, but there is certainly one that sticks out.

Mike Tauchman

Even after bringing Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson in on minor-league deals, the Cubs are still in the market for an established fourth outfielder. Their interest in Austin Hays is proof of that. At this point, the Cubs might as well load the Summer of Tauchman 2.0. For this current construction of the Cubs' roster, Mike Tauchman may be a better fit than when he was last with the Cubs. A left-handed hitting outfielder capable of playing all three spots, it's certainly a move that they should get done.

4 ex-Cubs without a deal as spring training nears

Tauchman is the exception when it comes to former Cubs still available in free agency. The other options don't exactly make sense for a reunion in Chicago.

Justin Turner

The 2025 season felt like Justin Turner's retirement tour. He essentially was a player/coach in the Cubs' clubhouse, but his 71 wRC+ suggested that he didn't have much left in the tank. Surprisingly, the 41-year-old still has plans to play in 2026. It certainly won't be with the Cubs, and it's hard to see any team making him a priority before Opening Day.

DJ LeMahieu

DJ LeMahieu only had a cup of coffee with the Chicago Cubs in 2011 before being traded to the Colorado Rockies, but he will always be remembered as the worst trade of the Theo Epstein era. He's now 37 years old, and his final season with the New York Yankees led to some questions over his ability to play the field. There likely will be a team that bites, but not before an injury scare.

Jeimer Candelario

Another former prospect, but this time, the Cubs actually already had a reunion with. Jeimer Candelario posted an OPS+ of 108 after the Cubs traded for him at the 2023 trade deadline, but the problem was that most of his success was during his first week back with the team. His offensive value diminished toward the end of the season, and he's never been able to reclaim it. Like LeMahieu, there may be a team that takes a chance on him, but nothing more than a minor-league deal.

Marcus Stroman

Marcus Stroman was the ace of the Chicago Cubs' rotation before they became a true contender. Cubs fans loved The Stro Show, but things took an awkward turn during his final season in Chicago. Stroman was subject to trade rumors, and through bouts with the media, it seemed like he was never on the same page with Jed Hoyer. He opted out of his deal after the 2023 season and spent the last two seasons with the New York Yankees. Last season, he posted an ERA of 6.23 in 9 starts and was released in August. Teams never shy away from pitching, so Stroman likely will find a landing spot eventually, but he's no longer the showman that he was in Chicago.