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3 free agents bats the Chicago Cubs should consider
As the rumors have come in that the Chicago Cubs aren't done adding, we can rule out any major-league signing in terms of offense. The Cubs have just enough money to sign a back end of the bullpen reliever and keep enough under the first tier of the luxury tax to add at the trade deadline. That doesn't mean, however, that the Cubs can't add bats on minor-league deals and hopefully find some cost-effective production.
There are still quite a few formerly productive hitters on the market, and many of them need a chance to prove themselves and reestablish their value. At this point, you have to wonder which of those will have to sign minor-league deals and who the best options are for the Cubs to target. The Cubs did an excellent job in free agency this winter but now will look to find those diamonds in the rough. Let's look at three bats still on the market that can be cheap, starting with a former Cub himself.
3 free agent bats - 3. Franmil Reyes
Sure, Franmil Reyes was cut by the Cubs this winter. Yes, Reyes elected free agency to seek a better deal. As it sits, nothing has come to fruition, and he may find himself limited to a minor-league contract. If that is the case, the Cubs can undoubtedly swoop back in for him and place him at Iowa for the time being to be called upon when needed.
In 2022, Reyes had a down year at the plate, slashing .221/.273/.365 between his time in Cleveland and Chicago. Prior, however, Reyes has always been an above-average hitter in his career:
2018: .280/.340/.498, 129 wRC+
2019: .249/.310/.512, 111 wRC+
2020: .275/.344/.450, 116 wRC+
2021: .254/.324/.522, 126 wRC+
Steamers doesn't quite believe the down year is the new normal for Reyes, either. For 2023, he is projected for .235/.299/.437 with a 107 wRC+, to go along with 11 HRs and 31 RBIs. Elsewhere, projections on Baseball Reference go as high as .242/.304/.425 with 19 HRs and 63 RBIs. Reyes testing the market was something he absolutely had and continues to have the right to do. Given that he had a good time in Chicago, the Cubs may have a leg up on the competition if it means a minor-league deal is inevitable.
3 free agent bats - 2. Edwin Rios
The Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered Cody Bellinger and Edwin Rios earlier this winter. The former is now a Cub, and the latter, still floating around in free agency. Rios has never had a chance to shine at the major-league level for his career. Listed as a third baseman, the Cubs can find a move like this intriguing, albeit on the correct type of deal. Rios has slashed a career .219/.299/.492, but has never amassed more than 100 ABs in a season since his debut in 2019.
Granted that the Cubs have Zach McKinstry as a backup hot corner option, adding another may be feasible. At this point in the game, acquiring depth and finding production wherever you can is vital. Rios is a .282/.349/.526 at the Triple-A level in over 1,000 at-bats and has been limited on a stacked Dodgers MLB roster. Landing him gives you a lot more depth to call upon if needed. A change of scenery with a better chance to shine may be all needed to break out truly. Third base is still a gaping hole for the Cubs, and whoever puts up the best numbers can easily earn an everyday starting role.
3 free agents - 1. Miguel Sano
Last, we come to former Minnesota Twins slugger Miguel Sano. After having his club option declined, it will be interesting to see what kind of deal he will wind up with moving forward. A knee injury limited him to 60 ABs in 2022, which he didn't do anything with. Prior, however, Sano has had four seasons in which he's hit at least 25 HRs, including two where he launched over 30. wRC+-wise, in eight seasons, his numbers are as follows:
2015: 149 wRC+
2016: 107 wRC+
2017: 125 wRC+
2018: 83 wRC+
2019: 138 wRC+
2020: 101 wRC+
2021: 112 wRC+
2022: 9 wRC+
2022's production was never there due to not getting in rhythm from the injury. Still, he has posted above-average marks in 75% of his seasons. Granted, the 36.4% K rate is absurdly high, but at this point, Sano is who he is. If you sign him, you're getting a slugger that will strike out often but also carries a .248 ISO. Bringing him in on a minor-league deal with a chance to get healthy while not putting yourself in financial hardship may be good for both sides.
Next. 3 Cubs players who will be better in 2022 and 2 who won't. dark
Nevertheless, expect the Cubs to continue to add where they can. Especially when it means extremely cost-effective deals with high upsides like we've seen Jed Hoyer take advantage of all winter. Pitchers and catchers report in less than three weeks, so if more moves are coming, expect them soon.