Three former Chicago Cubs that are current fits for the team's needs
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There is no question that the Chicago Cubs have had a significant offseason as the team signed shortstop Dansby Swanson to be the new face of the franchise while also adding talent in center fielder Cody Bellinger, starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, reliever Brad Boxberger, catcher Tucker Barnhart, and first baseman Eric Hosmer that raise the floor of production for the team entering the 2023 Major League Baseball regular season.
Despite the activity by the Cubs this offseason, the team still lacks power and has a long-term question at the third base position. Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers was the name to watch but the 11-year extension that he signed earlier this week will prevent him from being a target for the Cubs at the trade deadline this season or as a free agent next offseason.
Interestingly enough, there are three former Cubs that could be direct fits for the current needs of the team. Admittedly, this is more of a thought exercise but as we wait for further moves from the Cubs, let's take a look at those three names.
Three former Chicago Cubs that are current fits: Jorge Soler
After signing a three-year deal with the Miami Marlins last season, the 2022 season was plagued with injuries for Soler as he was limited to only 72 games. Still, Soler has developed into the prototypical power hitter that the Cubs anticipated he would be when he first debuted in 2014 and FanGraphs Steamer projections expect Soler to return to form in 2023 with 24 home runs, .327 wOBA, and a 113 wRC+.
Soler would be an intriguing trade target for the Cubs as he could serve primarily as the team's designated hitter while also having the chance to start in the outfield from time to time.
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Three former Chicago Cubs that are current fits: Kris Bryant
First and foremost, Kris Bryant has long-term security in his life after signing a seven-year contract with the Colorado Rockies last season. That type of long-term security evaded Bryant ever since he fielded the ground ball and made the play that won the Cubs the World Series title in 2016. Given the fractured relationship that Bryant seemingly had with the Cubs' front office during the final three seasons of his run with the team, there is no question that each side needed a break.
But is the grass greener? Bryant's first season in Colorado was a wash as injuries limited him to only 42 games played last season. When healthy last season, Bryant showed flashes of his MVP form as he compiled a .370 wOBA and 125 wRC+.
Given the mixed signals regarding the Rockies' moves in recent seasons, it is not out of the realm of possibility that the team may look to trade Bryant in the next season or two. If that is the case, the Cubs certainly could come calling as they have a clear long-term need at third base.
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Three former Chicago Cubs that are current fits: Javier Baez
Of all the players from the Chicago Cubs' World Series-winning core in 2016, shortstop Javier Baez came the closest to signing a contract extension with the team. It appeared the Cubs and Baez were in the final stages of reaching an agreement on a contract extension in 2020 before baseball operations were temporarily shut down due to the pandemic. Operations returned in July of that year and the directive of the Cubs' front office also changed.
That ultimately was the reason why Baez was traded at the Major League Baseball trade deadline in 2021. The trade was a success for the Cubs as they acquired an outfielder by the name of Pete Crow-Armstrong. After a breakout season in 2022, Crow-Armstrong has emerged as the team's top prospect in 2023.
Next. Former Cubs have aided the team's offseason. dark
Meanwhile, Baez struggled with the Detroit Tigers last season as he compiled a .291 wOBA and 90 wRC+ in 590 plate appearances. There is no question that the Tigers had instant buyer's remorse over the six-year contract that the team signed Baez to last offseason. With an opening at third base and financial flexibility in the long term, the Cubs should at least have a conversation with the Tigers.