Cubs' solution to outfield problem could be underrated Red Sox free agent

At the top of the list of offseason needs for the Chicago Cubs will be pitching. The Cubs are expected to be in search of power pitchers for both their starting rotation and bullpen, and if they are also looking for an offensive upgrade, it would seem that targeting Alex Bregman to play third base would make some sense.

One area that can't be ignored this offseason is the bench. The inability to construct a bench has been one of Jed Hoyer's biggest flaws since taking over as the Cubs' president of baseball operations, and last season was further proof of that. Jon Berti didn't finish the season with the Cubs after inking a Major League deal last winter, and Justin Turner was more of a clubhouse presence than he was anything of value to the Cubs on the field.

Even Willi Castro and Carlos Santana, the additions Hoyer made at the end of the season to fix his self-created disaster, failed to provide an impact during the closing weeks of the regular season.

Bench pieces are almost never the priority for any team during the offseason, but for a Cubs team trying to close the gap to the Milwaukee Brewers at the top of the division, adding the right piece could make a difference.

It stands to reason that the Cubs will look for utility man capable of playing across the infield, but assuming Kyle Tucker is playing elsewhere next season, the Cubs may want to add some veteran experience to their outfield. Otherwise, the Cubs would be heaping a lot of expectations on Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara.

This Red Sox free agent could be the Cubs’ sneaky outfield fix

One option for the Cubs could be a name they were linked to in the weeks leading up to the deadline. Boston Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder was someone the Cubs had their eyes on, and he is a free agent this winter. Turning 35 before Opening Day, Refsnyder recently made it known that he intends to play in 2026.

A return to the Red Sox remains possible, but the Cubs would be wise to check in on the former Yankees' farmhand. Seeing time in right field and left field with the Red Sox last season, Refsnyder slashed .269/.354/.484 in 209 plate appearances with a wRC+ of 128.

The lack of production from the Cubs' bench was exposed during the playoffs, when Craig Counsell was left with no choice but to keep rolling out a starting lineup with struggling veterans. With a player like Refsnyder on the bench, it would give Counsell an added lever to pull during times when the offense appears to be broken.