Chicago Cubs Free Agent Odds

Cubs fans around the country have been pleading for the Off-Season to bring more excitement than it has since the signing of Jon Lester in the 2014 Winter Meetings, and the cries for help continue to echo louder throughout the franchise. After imploding the roster in 2021 to later try to reshape and build for the future, the Cubs' once competitive roster has returned to the 2009-2012 bleak team. Meanwhile, after being sneakily aggressive last season with signing multiple relievers, ace Marcus Stroman and Japanese star Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs look to bolster their lineup; and there are a few needs that may be filled with high price tags this off-season. 

While Chicago’s team has only $96 million tied to the 2024 season, there are multiple needs to bring them back into contention for the National League Central division. With the surprise of Willson Contreras not being traded at the deadline for prospects, it leaves the holes of a true closer, a mid to high-tier starter, a catcher to pair with Yan Gomes, and a first baseman. While a top-tier shortstop has been viewed as a priority this off-season, a sneaky feeling has Cub fans feeling another off-season of disappointment ahead of them. 

After reloading during the trade deadline of prospects and Jed Hoyer avoiding the term “rebuild” there is one simple solution to bringing fans back into Wrigley: Spending. As Jed Hoyer has emphasized the priority to, “Spend intelligently”, it does not prevent the Cub Faithful from being frustrated with the lack of another big-name player from being on the team. 

There are 6 players that the Cubs should consider that can improve this lineup immediately: (SS) Dansby Swanson, (1B/CF) Cody Bellinger, (C) Willson Contreras, (1B) Josh Bell, (SP) Jameson Taillon, (SP) Sean Manea.

Shortstop, Dansby Swanson (Age 28)

The Shortstop market was just set with Trea Turner (30) being given an 11-year-$300 m contract by the Philadelphia Phillies. While many view Dansby Swanson as the fourth-best shortstop of this year’s free agent class, he will also come at the cheapest salary compared to the others. More upside and a longer time remaining in his prime years compared to the others so this could be the safest of the shortstops available albeit with a hefty price tag too. 

The Cubs need a shortstop and have been in the market for one all season so the cubs have a decent shot at signing Dansby. Odds 8/10

First Baseman/Outfielder, Cody Bellinger (Age 27)

It is no secret how talented Cody Bellinger is, however, after his burst onto the Major League scene, he has only gone downhill. Who was once a consistent MVP-caliber player, is now a guy searching for a job yet, it won’t take him long to find one. The Cubs need a first baseman after the Frank Schwindel/Alfonso Rivas/Patrick Wisdom platoon did not produce, which leaves them a prime player for Cody Bellinger. Cody brings versatility, youth, and experience to the Cubs lineup which is something that certainly places him in the cards for moves Jed Hoyer could decide to move on. However, plenty of other teams are wanting him just as much as the Cubs are. The odds of signing are 4/10

Catcher, Willson Contreras (Age 30)

After shockingly holding on to Willson Contreras at the trade deadline, the Cubs are now in a predicament. Do they let their All-Star catcher walk or bring him back to fill a massive void space on the lineup card? The Cubs have Yan Gomes, who played as expected as a 35-year-old catcher, to alleviate the stress off a true starting catcher but there needs to be another everyday guy behind the plate. Contreras built an impeccable relationship with young Dominican players like Christopher Morel, Nelson Velazquez, and even Marcus Stroman, which leaves the Cubs searching for a leader on the field with a team full of young guys. Willson or another catcher is a must-do this off-season and it would just be a shame to watch him leave for the Astros or god forbid, the Cardinals who are willing to pay more for him. The odds of signing are 3/10. 

First baseman, Josh Bell (Age 30)

Similar to Cody Bellinger's history, Josh Bell has always been an above-average power and league-average contact hitter. To add to him, he is a switch hitter which brings even more excitement to his profile. Before when he was traded to the Padres this season, he had a .301 average with 25 doubles and 14 homers. To add to it, he only struck out 16% of his at-bats which has been a flaw in the Cubs' recent lineups. He may be a sneaky under-the-radar type of guy as people are focussed on Bellinger's potential but keep your eye on the Cubs as being a player for Josh Bell after missing out on Jose Abreu earlier this month. The odds of signing are 6/10.

Starting Pitcher, Jameson Taillon (Age 31)

The Cubs have had a steady flow of young pitchers taking the league by storm as of late with Hayden Wesnecki throwing frisbee sliders, Scott Effross having a funky arm slot causing to be deceptive, even Keegan Thompson had good stuff throughout the season, yet, the Cubs are still needing experience. The Cubs have a lack of consistent middle-of-the-rotation guys, and that is exactly what Jameson is. Once coming into the league in 2016, Jameson hasn’t had a season in which he pitched over a 4.50 ERA and he continues to average over 150 innings per season. He will be another guy the Cubs may be in play for as the Cubs continue to roll with Marcus Stroman, Justin Steele, Hayden Wesnecki, and the hope for a healthy Kyle Hendricks. The odds of signing are 7/10. 

Starting Pitcher, Sean Manaea (Age 30) 

Sean Manaea has been and always will be a middle-of-the-rotation guy with the sneaky upside to become a high-end starter. After having consistently good seasons in Oakland with the Athletics, he struggled with command this season in San Diego with the Padres. He had his worst ERA which there inflated his career ERA to above 4.00, he is still a very consistent fifth-day starter that gives you the chance to win every game he is in. Similar to Jameson Taillon, Manaea brings experience to a young rotation and the stability to pitch more than 150 innings. Manaea also is another lefty that can be added besides Justin Steele to counter a lefty-heavy team like the Brewers. The odds of signing are 5/10.

Each of these players as discussed will be names that will likely fly off the shelves come late December, just keep an eye on which direction the Cubs want to go in this off-season.