Chicago Cubs Rumors: Seven possible free agent options this offseason

The Chicago Cubs have an interesting mix of outfielders already under team control for next season.  Nonetheless, they are still in the mix for the top outfielder on the market this offseason.

Similar to Machado, Bryce Harper will likely receive a contract in the 10-year, $300 million range.  However, as mentioned previously with Machado, Harper could still fit into the Cubs current and future payroll plans as many players are entering the final year of their current contract.

Through 159 games last season, Harper compiled a very impressive .249/.393/.889 slash-line.  As his slash-line went alongside 34 home runs, 34 doubles, 100 runs batted in, and 103 runs scored, he would be an incredible addition to an already impressive Cubs lineup.

Harper recently turned 26-years-old, but he has already earned six All-Star appearances through his first seven major league seasons.  As the Cubs are in win-now mode, his .211/.315/.487 slash-line alongside his 10 extra-base hits, 10 runs batted in, and 12 runs scored within the postseason make Harper’s resume even more appealing.

Even though the Cubs have Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ, Albert Almora, and Kyle Schwarber already in the fold for next season, Harper will still be heavily pursued by the organization.  If the team is able to sign Harper, they could also move one of these players to help solve another area of need.

Unless the Cubs are able to move an expensive player (or two) such as Heyward, Lester, Chatwood, and/or Darvish, it would be unlikely that the organization will have the payroll flexibility to sign both Machado and Harper this offseason.  However, as the organization generates a massive amount of revenue each season, signing both of these All-Stars is not completely out of the question.

Recap of the Seven Possible Free Agent Signings:
1. Manny Machado
2. Marwin Gonzalez
3. Craig Kimbrel
4. David Robertson
5. Adam Ottavino
6. Zach Britton
7. Bryce Harper