3 backup options for the Cubs if they go cheap after missing out on Jose Abreu

3 first base options if the Cubs go cheap again: #2 - Jesus Aguilar

Jesus Aguilar, like Gurriel, is coming off a down year but isn't too far removed from being an impactful presence in a big league lineup.

In 2022, Aguilar split the season between Miami and Baltimore but, despite the change of scenery, never really got things going. In 507 plate appearances, the 32-year-old first baseman hit 235/.281/.379, popping 16 home runs and driving in 51 runs on the year.

But just last year, as a member of the Marlins in 2021, Aguilar was a major power presence, carrying a 111 OPS+ while slugging .459 and driving in 93 runs. There's reason to believe he's still got something left in the tank but given the struggles we saw this year, he's unlikely to fetch much on the open market this offseason.

Given he's always been a guy who hits the ball hard, maybe there's a path to a bounceback campaign next year once the shift is banned and there are more holes on the diamond? Someone will take a flyer on Aguilar and given Mervis' presence, I wouldn't be surprised if that team winds up being the Cubs.