Brent Rooker could be the answer to the Chicago Cubs' biggest offseason need

Much of the Chicago Cubs' offseason plans revolve around what Cody Bellinger will do. Within five days after the conclusion of the World Series, Bellinger will need to decide if he will opt out of his current contract with the Cubs or return with the price tag of $27.5MM.

When Jed Hoyer addressed Bellinger's opt-out decision last week, it sounded like he was making the case for the 2023 National League Comeback Player of the Year to test free agency for a second consecutive offseason. While Bellinger's power numbers were down in 2024, there is a case to be made that he could stand to benefit as the fallback option for teams who aren't able to sign Juan Soto.

One thing is clear for the Cubs, Bellinger can't be the priority of this offseason as he was last offseason. Last offseason, it seemed that the Cubs had tunnel vision on Bellinger and their desire to get him back made them blind to the fact that they weren't improving the roster with his return. Bellinger's return only brought the Cubs back to the offensive expectancy they were at by the end of the 2023 season.

The results of the 2024 season are proof of that as the Cubs' offense went dormant for months at a time while the team also struggled to hit for power.

Regardless of what happens with Bellinger this offseason, the Cubs must address their need for power. One player who fits that need is Brent Rooker of the Athletics. Rooker is an impact bat that we have pushed for the Cubs to target in the past and he still remains an obvious answer to their biggest need.

Brent Rooker is an excellent trade target for the Cubs.

Given the current status of the Athletics, there likely is no player on their roster anchored down. Rooker was a popular name at the Major League Trade Deadline this past season his 39 home runs in 2024 will make him a name that comes up in trade conversations this winter.

Rooker is also under team control until 2028, meaning the Cubs would have a relatively affordable power hitter in their lineup for multiple seasons ahead. The Cubs also have the prospect capital that would appeal to a team like the Athletics.

In terms of fit, the ideal scenario would be that Bellinger doesn't return to the Cubs. If Bellinger does elect for free agency, Rooker could slide in as the team's designated hitter while Seiya Suzuki moves back to right field. If Bellinger isn't going to be back with the Cubs, the front office will need to prioritize power as they look to replace him in the starting lineup. Rooker would be an excellent choice.