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3 way too early 2025 free agent targets for the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs will have more payroll flexibility after this season, potentially allowing them to make a run at some top-tier free agents next offseason
The 2024 MLB season is upon us, and the Chicago Cubs look poised to compete for an NL Central title and make the postseason if all goes well. But there are intriguing free agents set to hit the open market next offseason and the Cubs should be in on the negotiations to bolster their core players.
The team will have a decent amount of money to play with too, with the contracts of Kyle Hendricks ($16.5 million), Drew Smyly ($10.5 million), Trey Mancini ($7 million), and Tucker Barnhart ($3.25 million) all expiring. So here's a way-too-early look at some free agents the Cubs should consider targeting next offseason after shedding all that payroll.
1. RHP Corbin Burnes
The Cubs are arguably in a better position to sign former Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes than anyone else in the league. Until he got traded to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason, Burnes spent his entire professional career in Milwaukee under manager Craig Counsell. Ever the roster wizard, Counsell oversaw Burnes' transformation from a little-known bullpen arm, to one of the most formidable starting pitchers in the game today.
As long as the Orioles don't complete a contract extension, Burnes is set to reach free agency next offseason when he will be 30 years old. With Counsell now the manager of the Cubs, his presence in Chicago will undoubtedly factor into his decision if the Cubs make him an offer. And they absolutely should.
So long as Burnes continues his ace-level dominance, he will command a mega-deal worth north of $150 million. The Cubs need to reach into the pocketbook for this one because Burnes would instantly transform the pitching staff and slot in at number 1.
Possible Cubs 2025 rotation:
1. RHP Corbin Burnes
2. LHP Justin Steele
3. RHP Jameson Taillon
4. LHP Shota Imanaga
5. LHP Jordan Wicks
Burnes' impeccable command, devastating cutter, and high strikeout percentage would be the perfect compliment to Justin Steele's groundball-inducing repertoire. And with Cade Horton likely making his way to the majors this season, the Cubs could be looking at one of the best starting rotations in the game a year from now.
2. 3B Alex Bregman
Although Christopher Morel appears to be vying for a more permanent role at the hot corner, the Cubs could just say "screw it" and sign one of the best third basemen in the game. A former second-overall draft pick, Bregman has been a rock in the Houston Astros' lineup since 2017. He checks all the boxes too, playing solid defense, posting high on-base percentages (.373 career), decent power, and a lot of postseason experience.
Although his power numbers have regressed a bit in recent years, Bregman is still one of the best hitters in the game and he would be a clear answer at third base for the rest of the Cubs' current playoff window. Bregman is also the best third baseman set to hit free agency by far. If Morel doesn't pan out and the Cubs don't develop or trade for a third baseman, Bregman is the best option money can buy.
3. OF Juan Soto
This is definitely the most unrealistic option, but one that would arguably have the best chance of paying off. No matter who gives Juan Soto his next contract, which will be a mega-deal worthy of the record books, there's little doubt that his employer will be happy because he has proven to produce at the highest level year after year.
Soto will only be 26 when he hits free agency, but he will have seven MLB seasons under his belt at that time and truly remarkable career numbers. In 2704 career at-bats, Soto has a slash line of .284/.421/.524, an OPS+ of 157 (average is 100), and 160 home runs. He is simply one of the best hitters in baseball today and he will get paid like it very shortly.
Unfortunately for the Cubs, there will be a lot of suitors for Soto's elite talents and he is a client of the infamous Scott Boras. But if you're going to break the bank for someone, it may as well be Soto because he's the closest thing to a guarantee you can get in this league.
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