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Chicago Cubs Rumors: Three remaining offseason needs
In a crucial offseason that would set the tone for the 2023 season, the Chicago Cubs needed to make many improvements to the active roster. So far, the Cubs have been able to agree to terms with free agents Cody Bellinger, Jameson Taillon, Brad Boxberger, and Dansby Swanson to join them on the north side. But if this team is going to compete soon, more moves have to be made prior to Spring Training in February.
The Cubs front office was extremely vocal about being involved in talks with big names and being ready to spend the money to bring them to Chicago. To a point, what they were saying and what they were doing was not matching up. Nonetheless, the pieces added have drastically improved the chances of a competing Cubs team in 2023. And while the team is trending in the correct direction, more needs to be done to have this team ready to hunt for a championship sooner rather than later.
Chicago Cubs: an everyday first baseman should be priority.
The Cubs thought they had a long-term answer at first base after trading Anthony Rizzo when they took a chance on Frank Schwindel. Magic was there early on and fans were excited, but it eventually fizzled out and he is now playing in Japan. The Cubs' current options on the roster seem to be Patrick Wisdom and PJ Higgins, neither of who claim first as their primary position. Alfonso Rivas is still technically on the roster, but the thought is he will not be once the season rolls around.
At the beginning of free agency, there were some excellent options for the Cubs to fill this need. However, they missed out on Jose Abreu, Josh Bell, and Carlos Santana, all of who have signed deals with other teams. Trey Mancini seems to be the best fit available to join the Cubs on a potentially mid-to-long-term deal. He is a great clubhouse guy who is coming off a World Series championship with Houston, who signed the previously mentioned Abreu as his replacement. Other options for first base still available include Brandon Belt, Yulieski Gurriel, and Ronald Guzman.
Chicago Cubs: options are still available for the rotation.
We know that veterans Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and Marcus Stroman will be in the starting rotation, but outside of that, nothing is certain. Between Adbert Alzolay, Brandon Hughes, Justin Steele, and Keegan Thompson, there will be room for a couple in the rotation and a couple to be ready for long-to-middle relief out of the bullpen. Sure, they could all be part of the rotation. But if the Cubs want to compete immediately, adding another veteran could help that.
Nathan Eovaldi is a guy that could fit nicely in the rotation. The veteran started twenty games for Boston in 2022 with a 3.87 ERA in a very tough division, averaging just over 5 innings an appearance. In this day and age of baseball, having a starter that can consistently get you to the 6th inning could be huge for keeping the bullpen healthy and ready to roll. Other options of note still available are Michael Wacha and two guys from last year's team, Wade Miley and Drew Smyly.
Cubs: third base is still a question mark.
Much like the situation at first base, the Cubs have yet to truly find a replacement for Kris Bryant. Of course, it's hard to fill a vacancy for a former Rookie of the Year, MVP, and World Series champion. The aforementioned Patrick Wisdom has been around and playing third a lot for the team. Young Christopher Morel has also been playing some time at the hot corner. But neither one of these options are trending toward being reliable long-term option for the Cubs.
Next. Dansby Swanson finalizing deal with Chicago Cubs. dark
Justin Turner is a former World Series champion and finds himself available in free agency still. His former teammate in Los Angeles, Cody Bellinger, just signed with the Cubs this offseason to take over center field duties. Having Turner join him in Chicago would be a step in the right direction of competing for a championship. Other options include veterans Evan Longoria and old foe Matt Carpenter, all three options probably looking for short-term deals (Jed's favorite).