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3 free-agent hitters who could still help the Chicago Cubs lineup

By Jordan Campbell |
Oct 23, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Trey Mancini (26) breaks the
Oct 23, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Trey Mancini (26) breaks the / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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The focus for the Chicago Cubs' offseason has been run prevention as the team has added three former National League Gold Glove winners to their roster and there is no question that will aid the team's pitching staff. The issue in looking at the Cubs' current roster as they prepare for the 2023 Major League Baseball regular season is that they are still a team that is going to struggle to score runs on a consistent basis.

There is no question that shortstop Dansby Swanson and center fielder Cody Bellinger could represent an improvement to the Cubs' offense in 2023 but each player has questions. For Swanson, the question is how sustainable the offensive success that he had in each of the past two seasons whereas the question regarding Bellinger is whether or not he can inch closer to being the offensive player that he was when he won the 2019 National League MVP Award.

The Cubs appear to be done making significant improvements this offseason on the position player side but there remain at least three free-agent hitters still available who could provide instant improvement to their lineup.

3 free-agent hitters who could still help the Chicago Cubs lineup: Trey Mancini

Trey Mancini has been linked to the Cubs since the start of the offseason but it would appear that the team has shifted to other priorities after signing veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Hosmer's signing shouldn't provide the Cubs with the misguided belief that they do not need to add another hitter to their lineup. The Cubs are still very much a team that lacks power and. hedging all their bets on free-agent first base Matt Mervis could be a risk. Mancini would provide the Cubs with a bat that is capable of hitting 20 home runs while also easing the blow in the event that Mervis struggles.

Sep 13, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (24)
Sep 13, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (24) / Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

3 free-agent hitters who could still help the Chicago Cubs lineup: Andrew McCutchen

Outside of the Gold Glove trend in regard to the acquisitions that the Cubs have made this offseason, the team has also placed an emphasis on adding clubhouse leaders. Most notably, shortstop Dansby Swanson and first baseman Eric Hosmer have been praised for their ability to connect with their teammates. Free-agent outfielder Andrew McCutchen has that reputation as well.

While the Cubs' starting outfield is set with left fielder Ian Happ, center fielder Cody Bellinger, and right fielder Seiya Suzuki, McCutchen could serve as the team's fourth outfielder while also seeing regular at-bats at the designated hitter spot. FanGraphs Steamer projections have McCutchen with 18 home runs, a .318 wOBA, and 106 wRC+ in 2023. At the very least, McCutchen would provide the Cubs with a more respectable option for their lineup.

Aug 26, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Luke Voit
Aug 26, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Luke Voit / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

3 free-agent hitters who could still help the Chicago Cubs lineup: Luke Voit

The Chicago Cubs need to be willing to add power to their lineup wherever they can. Entering a season with shortstop Dansby Swanson as the projected home run leader for the team is not a season in which the Cubs can depend on power being a big part of their offensive success. This is why it was such an egregious error by the Cubs' president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to not address the need for power this offseason.

Next. 3 early red flags for the Chicago Cubs 2023 season. dark

There is still time for Hoyer to correct that error and free-agent first baseman Luke Voit would fit with the type of spending that the Cubs' front office seemingly prefers. Voit is a perennial 20+ home-run in a season bat and could serve as the team's designated hitter while Matt Mervis is eased into the Major League lifestyle. Another reason for Voit being an intriguing option for the Cubs is because of his reverse splits. Voit has routinely hit well against right-handed pitchers over the course of his career and may be a better option for the Cubs in those matchups than Patrick Wisdom.

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