Rumored Chicago Cubs' offseason target destroys the hopes of hated NL Central rival

No MLB postseason moment may have encapsulated the importance of the Chicago Cubs' biggest offseason need than the plate appareance that New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso had against Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams in the 9th inning of Game 3 of the National League Wild Card series.

With the Mets trailing 2-0 in the decisive game, Alonso stepped to the play with two runners on in the top of the 9th inning. The Brewers were two outs away from advancing to the National League Divisional round.

Then, in a shot heard across the world, Alonso reminded everyone of the importance of the home run.

Pete Alonso already endears himself to Chicago Cubs' fans.

What makes the moment even more special for Cubs fans is that it was the team's play-by-play man, Boog Sciambi, on the call.

In postseason play, the home run is the almighty difference maker. For all the talk about the Cubs needing a closer to stabilize their bullpen, they still do, the fact is that they have to be prone to hitting for power. Of the 17-40 record that the Cubs had in games where they did not hit a home run last season, 12 of those 40 losses were one-run games.

Above all else, the Cubs have to address their need for power this offseason. Which brings us back to Alonso. Alonso has been a long-rumored target of the Cubs with the latest mention coming from Bob Nightengale this past Sunday.

If the debate comes down to keeping Michael Busch at first base or signing Alonso, Thursday proved why Alonso is the easy answer. Busch certainly deserves a spot in the Cubs' starting lineup, but in terms of taking themselves out of the Alonso conversation, because they want to keep the former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect at first base, that would be another misevaluation by this Cubs' front office.