Chicago Cubs Rumors: Recent signings have set the tone

As we enter the final day of the 2022 winter meetings, the Chicago Cubs are in a fantastic position to continue building upon what they started in the past two days. After landing Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon, the Cubs have proven to any doubting free agents that they are serious about competing in 2023. Not only that, but they are also willing to back up the brinks truck to make it happen. Any top free agent wants to see these two things when picking a new team.

Looking ahead, we know the Cubs have already made an offer to Carlos Correa. We also know the Cubs have both Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson high on their wish list. Where they go from here figures only to be up as the team has made it known they are flexing their financial muscles this winter to land who they need to to get back to contention. The 2023 Chicago Cubs could have a very different outlook in the following days.

Landing a shortstop now, after dedicating 17.5MM to Bellinger and another 17.0MM to Taillon, is imperative. They also still need to upgrade at catcher and first base. They don't necessarily need to sign another free-agent starter. However, they could consider packaging together a combination of big league-level starters and prospects to acquire an ace, thus further freeing up 40-man spots to fill out the roster with free agents.

They could also do the same regarding Sean Murphy. Putting together a package for him is a win-win because they open up a spot or two and get their catcher in the process. Murphy also comes with four years of team-friendly control and, therefore, saves the Cubs somewhat financially so they can further pursue the bigger fish instead of dedicating big dollars to Christian Vazquez. Nevertheless, the wheels are entirely in motion for the Cubs to continue spending.

Chicago now looks like an attractive place to play baseball. The checkbook is open, and the eye to win is there. Mainly, I'm keeping an eye on Scott Boras' clients. He is the agent of both Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts, as well as the agent of Cody Bellinger, whom the Cubs just signed. They have built a solid rapport with Boras over the winter, and if they are willing to spend, he knows the Cubs can provide high revenue for his clients while simultaneously having them play to win. After signing Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon, the Cubs have proved they are willing to spend big and make Chicago a competitive place to play baseball again.