3 superstars the Cubs could target via blockbuster trade this winter

If you follow the latest Cubs rumors, you've likely seen reports connecting Chicago to each of the three players we're going to touch on here. But in the interest of compiling the biggest names who could be targets for Jed Hoyer heading into 2024 in one place, let's dive right in.

Let's start by saying this. Even with one of these two big bats added to the mix, the team still either needs to re-sign Cody Bellinger or find another equal-quality run producer if the offense wants to take that next step.

3 superstars the Cubs could target via trade: #3 - Pete Alonso

The first offseason Cubs trade rumor breathed new life into a report we saw back in July as the trade deadline approaching, connecting the North Siders to longtime Mets slugger Pete Alonso.

Alonso, one of the league's premier power bats, was reportedly furious over the firing of Buck Showalter at season's end. That led many to speculate he might be ready to move on from the Mets, especially with ownership and the front office hitting a soft reset after going all-in this year, only for things to blow up in their faces.

Other reports have refuted that since, but it doesn't change the fact that adding Alonso, even for just one year, would address two major areas of need for the Cubs: an everyday first baseman and a legitimate middle of the order power bat.

This season, Alonso hit just .217, but still mashed 46 home runs and drove in 118 runs, en route to a 122 OPS+. The Cubs haven't had a player surpass the 40-homer mark since 2005, but if they pull off a trade for this prodigious power bat, that could quickly change.