Chicago Cubs Rumors: MLB experts predict FA activity

2. Koudai Senga (Predicted by Steve Adams of MLBTR)

Another name we're all familiar with by now is Japanese ace, Koudai Senga. Though forearm tightness caused him two stints on the IL this year during his NPB season, Senga finished his season strong and recorded an immaculate 1.94 ERA over the course of 144 innings. He is highly sought after this year due to having no posting fee attached to him.

The San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets are three teams that also appear to be interested in the Japanese superstar's services. We know Senga signed with Seiya Suzuki's agent and that Seiya is trying to help in the recruitment process of landing him in Chicago. Though Senga has never thrown an inning in the MLB, his stuff is elite. He possesses three plus pitches including a wipe-out split-forkball. He has the stuff and potential to be at the front of a team's starting rotation.

3. Josh Bell (Predicted by Tim Dierkes of MLBTR)

We're starting to see a trend here. A lot of these names are beginning to sound familiar because they've already been connected to the Cubs in recent rumors. The fact that some of these names are now being doubled down upon shows how much the Cubs front office has been putting itself out there and checking in on free agents that can truly make a difference on a ballclub that is looking to compete. Bell is no different. He is a switch-hitting first baseman who can DH as well.

Though it seems like Jose Abreu has been mentioned as one of the Cubs' primary targets to fill in at first base and platoon with Matt Mervis, Bell is a very solid second option. He struggled during his time in San Diego after being traded with Juan Soto at the trade deadline this year, but he finished with a slash of .266/.362/.422 with 17 HR and 71 RBIs. He also drew a career-high 82 walks while striking out 102 times in 647 plate appearances.