4 free agent overpays Cubs could be pressured into during November rush

Early intel is starting to emerge regarding the offseason ahead for Major League Baseball. The Athletic's Jim Bowden has an early look at the top free agents available this winter, and the general consensus is that there will be a healthy amount of activity before the current CBA expires on December 1.

Think of the Winter Meetings as we know, but now expand it to a full month. There is a chance that could be what November looks like. Given how Jed Hoyer loves how deadlines force activity, chances are the Chicago Cubs will be among the teams acting with urgency.

These are the free agents the Cubs must avoid if free agency chaos ensues before MLB lockout

There will need to be a balancing act. Just because agents and players will be eager to make a deal before the lockout, that doesn't mean that every deal had is a smart one. There are several players that Hoyer will need to avoid.

Ian Happ

Even with Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw already on the roster, the Cubs will probably be in the market for a veteran outfielders. In a scenario what Seiya Suzuki is priced near the top of the free-agent market, it's fair to speculate if the Cubs would look to make a quick short-term deal with Ian Happ. They need to avoid it. Happ has been relegated to platoon status in what should be his final season in Chicago, and it would be best for the Cubs to avoid him this offseason.

Casey Mize

The Cubs will be in the market for pitching, and chances are, some of the names they had interest in at the trade deadline will return to their radar this offseason. One previous target that the Cubs need to avoid is Casey Mize. Since his trade to the San Diego Padres, Mize has an ERA of 6.67 through six starts.

Colin Rea

Colin Rea certainly has been valuable to the Cubs' pitching staff over the past two years, but since the trade deadline, Craig Counsell has largely used the veteran in mop-up work. Circumstance certainly has led to that scenario, but he also sports a 4.45 ERA through 129 innings pitched with a FIP of 4.81. The Cubs should decline his club option, and from there, wish him well in his future endeavors.

Randy Arozarena

Randy Arozarena has been speculated to be a potential replacement for one of Happ or Suzuki. He boasts a wRC+ of 144 this season with 22 home runs through 576 plate appearances. 2026 has been the most productive season of his career, and he likely will be rewarded with a healthy deal this offseason. It's deserved, but if the Cubs were willing to meet his asking price, they might as well just pony up the cash for Suzuki.

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