The answer to one Chicago Cubs' offseason need that can't be overlooked

Your immediate reaction to the idea of Yoan Moncada in a Chicago Cubs uniform may be offputting. Well, in one of my stranger takes, I wonder if Moncada might be a useful resource for the Cubs in 2025. Moncada had a total of 45 plate appearances but managed to put up a WAR of 0.3. By way of comparison Miles Mastrobuoni put up a WAR of -0.2. And Miles wasn't the worst offender.

Patrick Wisdom had a miserable year, posting a WAR of -0.4, and Nick Madrigal formed the third member of the Not So Big 3, matching Patrick Wisdom's -0.4 WAR. The one solid bench piece the Cubs did have was outfielder Mike Tauchman. The Cubs non-tendered him, and he subsequently signed on with the White Sox, where he will add a desperately needed degree of professionalism.

Tauchman's game was highlighted by his patient approach at the plate. He also seemed to be one of the Cubs' best clutch players. In addition, he played solid defense in the outfield.

With the departure of Tauchman, Wisdom, and Madrigal, the Cubs bench will, out of necessity, have a different look. It would be hard-pressed to be worse. Beyond Moncada, what are other possibilities?

Internal options

At some point Matt Shaw will be with the team. There's a good chance he will open the season as the Cubs' opening day third or second baseman. On the oft chance the Cubs keep Cody Bellinger, Shaw and Michael Busch could move around the diamond based on need. Both Shaw and Busch have some versatility.

Infielder Luis Vazquez is another option. Why he hasn't gotten more play than Miles Mastrobuoni is beyond me. Vazquez is considered an outstanding gloveman. In addition, he has hit at least a moderate level in AAA. Of course, my fear is the aforementioned Miles Mastrobuoni will somehow find his way back onto the Cubs 26-man squad.

A sleeper to make the roster is Gage Workman whom the Cubs selected in the Rule 5 draft. FanGraphs had an interesting take on Workman. Strikeouts are a big issue for Workman, but he's trending in the right direction.

While Workman is a longshot as the Cubs regular third baseman, he also has defensive versatility. Another surprising aspect of Workman's game is his base-stealing ability. Workman stole 31 bases last season in AAA. The Cubs may have taken a flyer on Workman, but a closer look at him makes it easy to see why.

With Cody Bellinger traded to the New York Yankees, the Cubs will likely need a fifth outfielder to join Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki. Internal options include Alexander Canario, Kevin Alcantara, and Owen Cassie. Of that trio, Owen Cassie is the only one who hasn't gotten a cup of coffee in the bigs. He's also the one with the most potential. I expect Cassie will stay in Iowa for a while to ensure he gets reular at bats.

Are there any free agents who might help?

It's hard to imagine the Cubs spending much on free-agent positional players. If they do spend money in free agency, it will likely be for pitching. In looking through the remaining free agents, there's not much there that looks better than what the Cubs have internally. Especially if the Cubs aren't going to spend money in that area.

I've mentioned Moncada because he will no doubt come cheap. While he missed most of the 2024 season, he was effective when he did play. He was also pretty good during the last half of the 2023 season. While Moncada's offense has been up and down, he is a plus defender at third. You might recall he's also played some second base, but those days may be behind him now.

I t's also possible that Moncada would benefit from escaping MLB' s version of Devil's Island, also known as the White Sox. Plus, Moncada will be playing for a contract. However, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Moncada has wrapped up his stint in winter ball after fouling a pitch off his foot.

What's the bottom line?

While the Cubs' bench might not be better this season, it will at least be different, which provides some reason for hope. Much of the lineup composition will depend on whether and with Bellinger traded. Regardless, I hope that the bench will include names like Gage Workman, Yoan Moncada, Luis Vazquez, and Kevin Alcantara.