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Three Cubs' offseason predictions after the Dansby Swanson signing
After signing Dansby Swanson two days ago, the Chicago Cubs quickly became a team that seemed serious about turning the corner immediately toward contention. Though still a few pieces away, it’s been a productive offseason for Chicago as they look to enter 2023 with a much higher projected win total than just a season ago. With Swanson and the additions of Jameson Taillon and Cody Bellinger, the Cubs will look to continue to build on the beginnings of a formidable roster as the winter rolls on.
After officially inking Jameson Taillon this morning, the Cubs' 40-man roster sits at 39 and will hit 40 once Swanson is officially signed. Therefore, it’s safe to say we can expect a few DFAs and outrights in the coming days, depending on how quickly the front office looks to make things happen. The Cubs will need to strike while the iron is hot here. They know they need a corner infielder and a catcher, at least. I do not believe we’ve seen the last Cubs' moves this winter. That being said, let’s look at three predictions the Cubs should explore to bolster their chances of winning in 2023.
Prediction #1 - Cubs trade for a top starter
To start it off, It’s essential to look at the current roster as it sits right now and realize that the surplus of starting pitchers on the Cubs is rather eye-opening. The Cubs have at least ten pitchers that can start games. Although they could opt for the multi-bulk reliever option and have multiple pitchers on standby in case of injury or underperformance, they also have another chance in perhaps moving one or two of these guys and landing a top-tier starter. Moving two of these pitchers along with Nick Madrigal is a perfect beginning to a package to land an ace via trade.
We know the Miami Marlins have made Pablo Lopez available, albeit for an exorbitant price. Elsewhere, it remains to be seen how much the Tampa Bay Rays are willing to dangle Tyler Glasnow in trade talks, but for the right price, you may be able to twist Tampa Bay’s arm. They have always been a team that thrives on low-dollar contracts and a farm system boasted by top prospects. Tyler Glasnow’s two-year deal for $30.0M comes with a $ 5.0M price tag this winter and a vastly steeper $25.0M in 2024. His trade value will not be higher than it is now. However, Tampa may hold on to him and see where their record sits at the trade deadline.
Prediction #2 - Cubs sign Trey Mancini
Trey Mancini has been a well-known target for the Chicago Cubs this winter after missing on Jose Abreu and Josh Bell. After signing Swanson and having a better idea where their payroll sits heading into 2023, I’m surprised the Cubs aren’t moving at a little faster pace to land one of Mancini, Brandon Drury, or Michael Conforto. The Cubs need another bat and still have to salary before blowing past the first level of the luxury tax threshold.
Out of the three, the Cubs will lock up first base target Trey Mancini. The Cubs know they need a corner infielder, and although Brandon Drury had a much better 2022 campaign, Mancini has far and away been the more consistent of the two. Conforto is an excellent option to take a flier on, but he doesn’t fill as much of a need as a true corner infielder.
Prediction #3 - Cubs sign veteran lefty reliever
As it sits, the Chicago Cubs have just one lefty reliever in Brandon Hughes. Though Hughes is considered a vital piece of the bullpen moving forward, one southpaw is not enough. The Cubs need to add another for match-up purposes. Preferably, a veteran that can mentor Hughes and help him ultimately break out in 2023. The Cubs are close to re-signing Drew Smyly and could use him in relief, but he serves a better role as a second lefty in the starting rotation that had only recently boasted Justin Steele.
Next. Projecting the Cubs starting lineup. dark
Among the names available, Cubs fan favorite Andrew Chafin comes to mind. There is also both Brad Hand and Will Smith that could bring some much-needed help. With Codi Heuer returning and the signing of Brad Boxberger, the back end of the bullpen will be in good shape once the Cubs ink another lefty opposite of Hughes. Of course, as it sits now, the bullpen is currently littered with about five pitchers who all serve multi-inning roles. Besides Hughes, Heuer and Boxberger, the Cubs already have 13 pitchers on their 26-man roster. This also ties back to the Cubs needing to trade for a starter. Should that happen, signing a lefty reliever becomes much more plausible.