Chicago Cubs nowhere to be found in top MLB free agent predictions

On paper, the Major League Baseball free-agent class this offseason is one that would allow the Chicago Cubs to easily address the needs they have.

Juan Soto is the impact bat that the Cubs haven't had in their starting lineup since Javier Baez's 2018 season. Corbin Burnes would give the Cubs, arguably, the best postseason starting rotation in the National League. Tanner Scott would immediately answer the black hole that was the backend of the Cubs' bullpen last season.

It was far easier to write out that hypothetical scenario than complete the thought exercise of a scenario where the Cubs will actually be swimming in the deep end of free agency this offseason. That is an exercise that Jim Bowden didn't even try to attempt when mapping the Top 45 free agents across baseball this offseason.

In his latest for The Athletic (Subscription Required), Bowden not only lists the top free agents of the offseason but offers his prediction on the respective contracts as well as fits. If you blink while reading Bowden's story, you'll probably miss the reference to the Cubs. The Cubs were only mentioned twice, once as a fit for Cody Bellinger (Bowden projects a 4-year, $112MM deal and that other as a fit for relief pitcher Blake Treinen (2-year, $17MM).

The Cubs likely will be a bystander in free agency.

Far be it for anyone to agree with Bowden's takes but he isn't wrong with his lack of reference to the Cubs. Short of the Cubs splurging on Max Fried, there's no real incentive to list them as a fit for the likes of Soto, Burnes, or Scott. Given the spending habits of the Cubs in recent winters, this will be another winter way the team stays away from the top of the market.

If the Cubs are going to make an aggressive move this offseason, it will be through trade. But, even with that scenario, Jed Hoyer has yet to show a willingness to part with multiple top prospects for a proven talent at the Major League level.

It's a deflating position for the average Cubs fan. The Cubs' situation warrants an aggressive offseason but there's been little proof of that resonating with Hoyer.