3 realistic targets - 2. Brandon Drury
Brandon Drury is another option the Cubs can look to sign as a platoon option for Matt Mervis. Drury is a utility man that just came off a career year between Cincinnati and San Diego post-trade deadline. Though he struggled in the unhitter-friendly confines of Petco Park, he still finished 2022 with a line of .263/.320/.492, to go along with 28 HRs and 87 RBIs. He won his first Silver Slugger this season as well. He brings a little more value defensively than Mancini as well.
Drury is primarily listed as a 3B, 2B, and Outfielder. However, in 2022 he spent 30 games at first base, so he can stick mostly anywhere the Cubs might need him. I am trying to understand why Drury hasn't been more of a target for the Cubs. As I've said, Wrigley Field is less hitter-friendly than Great American Ballpark, but he should still find success in Chicago. Against southpaws in 2022, Drury recorded a .299/.329/.626 with a .327 ISO and 160 wRC+ in 147 at-bats.