5 free agent signings that would make the Cubs World Series contenders in 2024

2. OF/1B Cody Bellinger

We all know how great Cody Bellinger has been this year, but again I am asking Jed Hoyer to give the man whatever money he wants (within reason). His .324 batting average ranks 5th in the entire league while he leads the Cubs in on-base percentage (.372), slugging percentage (.561), and RBIs (64). Bellinger also ranks second on the team in runs scored (71) and stolen bases (17) while his 20 home runs are tied for first. Coming to Chicago has simply unlocked the former greatness in Bellinger and he's putting up incredible numbers despite missing a month of the season.

Resigning the guy is an obvious no-brainer, and I think his future with the Cubs is as the everyday first baseman. Every player who has been given a shot at first base this year has failed, including Eric Hosmer, Trey Mancini, Jarred Young, and Matt Mervis. While I think it's too early to completely give up on Mervis, Bellinger would be an immediate and complete fix to the years-long first base problem. He plays gold glove defense at the position, hits for power, and serves as the team's premiere player.

And moving Bellinger away from center field permanently will be fine because it just so happens the Cubs have arguably the best defensive prospect in the minor leagues on the precipice of getting called up to MLB. Pete Crow-Armstrong will be here soon and I can't think of anyone else I'd want patrolling center field besides maybe Mike Trout.

3. 3B Matt Chapman

Third base has been another revolving door for the Cubs this year as Nick Madrigal, Patrick Wisdom, and Miles Mastrobuoni have been lackluster options that all serve as adequate defenders, but below-average bats. The Cubs did go out and buy a third baseman at the deadline when they traded for Jeimer Candelario, who also happened to be the best bat on the market. Some want to see the Cubs resign Candelario, and I don't blame them. The guy is great on defense and he is a switch-hitter with some pop (35 doubles and 17 home runs). However, I think Matt Chapman would be a bit better.

Chapman is currently playing out the remainder of his two-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays and he will hit free agency this winter. Chapman and Candelario are having fairly similar seasons at the plate so I think it's fair to compare the two.

While Candelario is having a slightly better year at the plate, the area where Chapman has the clear edge is on defense. While Candelario is by no means bad, Chapman is almost in a category of his own with 3 gold gloves and 2 platinum gloves under his belt. He is reminiscent of Nolan Arenado at the position and adding him alongside Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Cody Bellinger would put the Cubs in the conversation of having the best defensive infield in all of baseball.

At 30 years old, Chapman is only slightly older than Candelario but the former has also shown the ability to hit for power in the past. Chapman has had three different seasons where he exceeded the 25-home run mark. The pop, defense, and recent experience on a winning team should put Chapman high on every front office's wish list. With four gold-glove caliber defenders on the dirt, the Cubs' groundball-heavy pitching staff would be put in an even better position to excel.

4. LHP Josh Hader

Former Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader is having a ridiculous year with the Padres as his season ERA is sitting at a stellar 0.82 in 43.2 innings pitched. Hader also has 68 strikeouts, a WHIP below 1 (0.92), and 27 saves out of 31 attempts. The southpaw is set to hit free agency and he will probably command one of the largest relief pitcher contracts in history. Edwin Diaz recently broke the record when he signed a 5-year, $100 million deal with the New York Mets this offseason. If Hader keeps this pace, he could get a similar deal or even more.

The five-time All-Star used to be a major pain in the Cubs' side, but now the team has a chance to flip the script. Although Alzolay has been excellent in his role, having Hader would make the bullpen elite overnight. Alzolay, Mark Leiter Jr., and Julian Merryweather would move down while Hader locks down the ninth. The question is whether the Cubs are willing to invest this much money into the bullpen, but with a wealth of arms making their way to MLB, I would guess no. It would sure be fun to watch Hader shut down games against the Brewers though.

5. Shohei Ohtani

Clearly whichever team signs Shohei Ohtani will instantly have their playoff odds boosted significantly. While I'm gun-shy for the Cubs to invest this much money in one player, I can't help but point out how perfectly he would fit in the Cubs roster. He would instantly slot into the top of the starting rotation and anchor the staff. On offense, Christopher Morel would have to learn how to play third base to let Ohtani DH permanently. On paper, it looks so nice, but in reality, I'm not sure I want it to happen.

There is the constant, nagging feeling that one day Ohtani's body won't be able to handle the insane workload he puts on it. He not only plays both sides of the game, but he is among the best in the league at hitting and pitching. The other shoe has to drop at some point, and it would be devastating for Cubs fans if one or two years into the largest contract in MLB history Ohtani goes down with a serious injury. I think I'd rather see the team invest in Bellinger, Chapman, and Nola instead of breaking the bank on Ohtani. That being said, signing Ohtani would instantly jolt this franchise and return the team to the heights it reached in the mid-2010s.

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