Can they sign a top free-agent shortstop?

SAN DIEGO — A quiet begin to the offseason units up an necessary winter conferences for the Chicago Cubs.

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer beforehand vowed to be aggressive in upgrading a 74-88 roster. However the Cubs’ strikes will in the end decide whether or not the group flexes its monetary flexibility. As major-league groups’ personnel arrived in San Diego forward of the offseason’s marquee gathering that runs by Wednesday, the Cubs have a possibility to benefit from a division that seems devoid of a lot competitors.

The Cubs are anticipated to extend their spending from their 2022 payroll of $167,068,737, per Spotrac, which put them thirteenth within the league. They’ve a methods to go to surpass that degree with $124,310,000 at present on the books for 2023, in keeping with Cot’s Contracts; that features $22 million owed to Jason Heyward, who was released last month.

These payroll figures depart the Cubs loads of room to amass the kind of impactful expertise they should construct off final offseason’s principal additions of Seiya Suzuki and Marcus Stroman.

However will the Cubs be critical spenders? It’s one query, amongst others, that looms this week on the winter conferences.

The obvious approach the Cubs can infuse extra expertise is thru signing one of many 4 standout free agent shortstops.

To what extent the Cubs are prepared to commit future monetary sources will probably information who they most aggressively pursue amongst Carlos Correa, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson. Correa, Turner and Bogaerts provide essentially the most constant offensive monitor document and star energy, whereas Swanson’s protection and probably least pricey possibility makes him a pretty.

Bogaerts, 30, and Swanson, 28, have emerged as the main target of the Cubs’ curiosity. Bogaerts’ offensive manufacturing — 133 OPS+ during the last 5 seasons in Boston — would supply an instantaneous enhance to the lineup. Swanson presents a much bigger defensive improve on the place; pairing him with Nico Hoerner at second base might create a powerful pairing up the center. Though Swanson has posted an OPS+ over 100 solely twice in his final six seasons, the Cubs consider they might be capable to faucet into extra manufacturing from his bat.

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The Cubs can’t afford to whiff on buying a dynamic star hitter. They’ve so many holes to fill that addressing all the weaknesses will take a number of offseasons. The method started final yr, and the entrance workplace nonetheless has loads of work forward.

The shortstop free-agent class presents a take a look at for whether or not the Cubs are prepared to spend huge bucks in a market that has already proven a dear value on the beginning pitching facet.

Tapping into exterior choices stays an avenue for the Cubs at heart discipline.

Accidents to high heart discipline prospects Brennen Davis (stress reaction in his back) and Alexander Canario (surgery on left ankle and left shoulder) created uncertainty as to how a lot the Cubs can realistically anticipate to depend on them subsequent yr. Canario faces a prolonged rehab course of. Davis’ lingering again issues are regarding.

Former 2019 Nationwide League MVP Cody Bellinger is an intriguing reclamation undertaking and short-term possibility. Bellinger doesn’t flip 28 till July and nonetheless gives stellar protection regardless of posting a .193/.256/.355 slash line and 64 OPS+ in 900 plate appearances during the last two years. Whichever groups indicators Bellinger should consider he’s prepared and capable of implement the swing and strategy modifications essential to get him again on monitor.

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Enhancing in heart discipline was a famous focus for Hoyer and the Cubs after the season.

Pete Crow-Armstrong looks like the real deal after starring at Excessive-A South Bend. However the earlier two months additionally served as a reminder as to how shortly long-term plans can go awry if accidents afflict high prospects. The Cubs ideally don’t need to block Crow-Armstrong, however prospects are simply prospects till they attain the majors and produce.

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If the group extends Ian Happ, the Cubs might have the nook outfield spots locked in for the subsequent few years, leaving a balancing act for a way the purchase an outdoor improve in heart discipline whereas sustaining some outfield flexibility.

The beginning pitching market has ramped up previously week, each on a much bigger and smaller scale.

Jacob deGrom grew to become the primary top-tier starter to signal after inking a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers. Zach Eflin (three years, $40 million with Tampa Bay Rays), Matthew Boyd (one yr, $10 million with Detroit Tigers), Mike Clevinger (one yr, $12 million with White Sox) and Kyle Gibson (one-year deal to Baltimore Orioles) all discovered new properties.

The Cubs have to complement their rotation. Ought to they decide to avoid the high-end prices that Carlos Rodón and Justin Verlander, particularly, are anticipated to command, the market is poised to nonetheless be sturdy with choices so as to add depth and upside. Which may not sound thrilling for Cubs followers supporting a staff that may use a high starter to pair with Stroman.

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The group should discover dependable pitchers, each for the rotation and bullpen, that transcend probably commerce deadline flip items.

Beginning pitcher accidents decimated the Cubs early within the 2022 season. They should keep away from that state of affairs in 2023. It is going to require the Cubs to interact in a free-agent market that so far hasn’t precisely been low cost for the middle- to lower-tier decisions.

With their payroll room, that shouldn’t be a hindrance to bolstering the pitching employees.