4 designated hitters the Chicago Cubs can target in free agency

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Although the Chicago Cubs missed out on Shohei Ohtani, who would have served as the team's DH in 2024, the team is fortunate that there are still many bats that can be had in free agency that add a significant punch to the lineup. Some the Cubs have already been connected to, while others need a better look as they can certainly be had to improve offensive production at the plate. We know the Cubs are planning a big offseason, so nobody should be left off the table in terms of being out of the team's reach. Here are the five DHs I'm targeting in order of how they appeal.

4 Designated Hitters to target - 4. J.D. Martinez

To start, we come to J.D. Martinez, who had a solid bounce-back season with the L.A. Dodgers this year. After what worried many about a dip in power at the plate, Martinez put those doubts to rest as he slashed .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and 103 RBI. Becoming a six-time All-Star in the process, Martinez's .301 ISO was the second-highest mark of his career, and his 135 wRC+ in 2023 is something the Cubs need more of in their lineup.

Now 36, Martinez can still hang with the best of them. He's due for a bump in pay after earning only 10.0M with the Dodgers this season, but his production at the plate is worth it. If the Cubs are looking to pack a punch to their lineup, adding him on a one-year deal with a player option for a second, much like we saw with Cody Bellinger last winter, maybe the way to go. He's the perfect bat to slot into the DH spot. Hopefully, the Cubs are willing to take a chance after a little restored confidence at the plate.

4 Designated Hitters to target - 3. Rhys Hoskins

Rhys Hoskins is the favorite on this list to be signed by the Cubs. The team has reportedly discussed different contract structures already. Although it appears the front office is dragging its feet a little, this move almost feels like more of a "when" rather than an "if." No one will be surprised if Hoskins inks a deal with the Cubs; we hope it's sooner rather than later so we can officially insert a new piece into the lineup and progress from there.

Hoskins' ability to play first base is also a plus for the Cubs, as the team desperately needs someone with pop in their bat to cover the position. If the Cubs are lucky enough to land Bellinger, they have a perfect tandem of lefty/righty at the position while allowing their top prospect, Pete Crow-Armstrong, to get much-needed everyday reps. Hoskins missed all of 2023 with an ACL tear, so it's unlikely he will be expected to play in the field every day. Still, his bat is an added boost to the lineup.

4 Designated Hitters to target - 2. Justin Turner

Justin Turner is a pure hitter who has been consistent throughout his 13-year career. His still better-than-average league bat, in which he slashed .276/.345/.455/114 wRC+ with 23 home runs and a career-high 96 RBI was considered down from his typical 127 wRC+ career normal. As we saw with the resurgent 2023 of Martinez above, a bit of a dip in certain sabermetrics doesn't really mean you should hang your hat on a player permanently going downhill.

Though primarily a DH, in 2023, Turner appeared in 41 games at 1B, ten at 2B, and seven at 3B. Therefore, he can still play in the field to give other guys a day off. He does not have the most pop in his bat, but his ability to hit for average and drive in runs is still extremely valuable. Given his age of 39, he can be had on a cheaper, shorter deal, which helps the club save money elsewhere while still packing a viable punch to the lineup.

4 Designated Hitters to target - 1. Jorge Soler

Jorge Soler is an exciting target after opting out of his deal with the Miami Marlins. The former Cub just enjoyed another solid season, launching 36 home runs with a slash line of .250/.341/.512. It was the second time he blasted over 30 long balls in his career, something the Cubs didn't have from anybody in 2023. Giving him a little more protection around him in the lineup could prove to further production once the team solidifies its lineup.

Defensively, Soler appeared in 32 games in RF last year, so his ability to fill in when necessary is a bonus. In those 32 games, he recorded 42 putouts without committing an error. However, what I'm after here is the pop in his bat. He's a great clean-up candidate who can put the ball over the fence with the best of them. At still just 31, adding Soler to the lineup gives the Cubs a formidable bat that pitchers know will cost them dearly if they make a mistake.

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