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3 pending free agents the Chicago Cubs need to let walk
Looking over the list of pending Chicago Cubs free agents and determining three players the team needs to let walk this offseason.
We are at the end of the 2023 campaign, and the Chicago Cubs are closing on at least a Wild Card spot. The next ten games will be critical, as they are set to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by two light series' against the Rockies and Pirates. Of course, the Cubs just lost a series to the Rockies, so you can't take anything for granted. Looking ahead, however, it's essential to identify how the Cubs can improve moving forward, and much of that has to do with not re-signing players that they don't necessarily have to.
Ahead, we'll go over three players on the Cubs that could reach free agency either because they are set to be unrestricted free agents or because the club doesn't have to pick up their options for 2024. Navigating this road will be extremely important for next season's success, so let's look at three players the Cubs need to let walk this winter.
3 pending free agents to let walk - 3. Michael Fulmer
I have enjoyed watching Fulmer turn his tumultuous season around over the last few months. Given that he was one of the worst relievers in baseball for a while, Fulmer has recorded a 4.42 throughout the season. That is still unacceptable for a team eyeing a postseason appearance. Currently burning a four-million-dollar hole in the front office's pocket, the team can undoubtedly allocate those funds elsewhere to strengthen a more efficient bullpen in 2024.
Fulmer's 2023 went from horrible to great and back to below average, as he has recorded a 4.24 ERA in the second half of the season. Trimming the fat and saving funds will be vital, with the Cubs searching for ways to make the club more competitive next season. If Fulmer finishes the year without an elite stretch to cap off the campaign, he is a lock to reach free agency without a call to return from Jed Hoyer this winter.
3 pending free agents to let walk - 2. Brad Boxberger
Brad Boxberger has been a solid reliever throughout his big-league career, with a mark of a 3.49 ERA lifetime. Even though he's only pitched 16.2 frames in a Cubs uniform this season, and his 4.86 ERA is primarily due to not entirely knocking off the rust yet, the Cubs can still save money and find guys that will be more productive than both of Boxberger's 2023 and his career numbers overall. Boxberger has a 5.0M option for 2024 that he will want to opt into, but the Cubs need to pass on.
Looking at pending relief free agents, that 5.0M can be spent on players having much better seasons that can help fortify the bullpen for next year. That money can go towards saving money on a cheaper, more efficient arm or be used as part of the funds to spend on a more expensive proven relievers contract. Also, given that the Cubs are looking to promote prospects, bullpen roles will be needed to avoid blocking certain players. The more significant issue is getting another lockdown, late-inning arm, even if it means pinching pennies this winter. The Cubs must do so to afford who they want for next season.
3 pending free agents to let walk - 1. Kyle Hendricks
First, I don't want to see Hendricks walk should the Cubs not pick up his club option for 16.0M in 2024, but it makes the most sense for the team at this juncture. Hendricks is enjoying a fine season where he has posted a 3.71 ERA (3.90 FIP), but that mark is still under his career average, a trend that has continued over the past three seasons. The bigger picture isn't so much that Hendricks has underperformed this season but more that the Cubs already have pieces in their rotation and need as much room for improvement as possible.
Considering that Marcus Stroman has played himself into picking up his player option for 2024 and running it back with the Cubs to prove himself worthy of a bigger payday, he will lock up a spot in the rotation next season. Elsewhere, you have Justin Steele. Jordan Wicks, who needs to be unleashed in 2024. Javier Assad, who has proven himself worthy, and Jameson Taillon, already commanding spots. Taillon's underwhelming performance in 2023 is a headache for the front office in itself, and the front office will probably give him another chance to redeem himself. However, there's also the chance he's moved to a bulk role if it simply doesn't work out.
What this means for the Cubs and Hendricks is that the team needs another starter who can dominate toward the top of the rotation. If the Cubs resign Cody Bellinger and Jeimer Candelario, they will need as many free agent dollars as possible to get an ace-caliber arm in free agency. Considering the Cubs also want to see more guys from the farm, such as Ben Brown and Cade Horton, make it to the rotation before long, it also creates a log jam by keeping Hendricks.
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