The Cubs have several key players reaching free agency at the same time

7. 2B/3B Nick Madrigal

Nick Madrigal is another guy that seems out of place on this Cubs team. Similar to Wisdom, Madrigal is a third baseman who just isn't good enough to be considered the long-term option at the position. As a 5'8 second baseman, Madrigal showed incredible persistence when he learned how to play third base to the point where he made the routine plays. But aside from slightly above-average defense and the ability to hit for contact, Madrigal doesn't bring much else to the table.

I'm fine with him being infield depth but Madrigal should not be playing third base every day. It's also hard to see where Madrigal's career will go because getting packaged in a trade is not out of the question right now.

8. RHP Julian Merryweather

Julian Merryweather was not thought of as a main contributor to the Cubs a year ago, but he made the most of his opportunity after the team claimed him off waivers. The 6'4 right-hander used his 99-mile-an-hour fastball to become a main set-up man in a bullpen that struggled to find its identity out of the gate. Now it looks like the 32-year-old is a main component of the 2024 formula since he led all Cub relievers in strikeouts (98) and innings pitched (72).

Whether he'll be around until he reaches free agency in 2026 remains to be seen as MLB relievers are notoriously volatile. But the Cubs avoided arbitration with Merryweather this winter and gave a nice $1.175 million contract for his efforts last year. So he'll be around in the near future at the very least.

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