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

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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