5 recent non-tenders who are perfect fits for the Cubs

5 non-tenders who are perfect fits for the Cubs: #4 - Danny Mendick

On the South Side, the White Sox cut ties with Adam Engel and Danny Mendick (as well as Mark Payton) at the non-tender deadline, although a reunion with any or all of the three still seems to be very much a possibility based on Rick Hahn's comments.

"Our plan is to stay in contact with all three players and evaluate their ongoing fit with our club as we move forward through this offseason. "

Rick Hahn, White Sox GM

Now, you might think Engel makes sense for the Cubs given their need in center field and how well he's rated defensively in his career. However, Mendick could slot nicely into a superutility role alongside Christopher Morel, giving David Ross some real versatility on his roster in 2023.

With Tim Anderson sidelined by injury for much of last year, Mendick stepped in and filled the void nicely for Tony LaRussa and the White Sox, putting up a .786 OPS in 106 plate appearances. His season was cut short by an ACL injury, but given the fact he shouldn't cost more than $1 million next year, this is a guy worth bringing into the fold, especially with the uncertainty the Cubs have in the infield.

Defensively, Mendick appeared in games at second, short third - and even once in left. At just 29 years of age, he's still got plenty left in the tank and could vie for a bench role on what we hope will be a competitive Cubs club next spring.