3 moves for the Chicago Cubs this offseason
The Chicago Cubs entered the season in a relatively odd spot. They had traded Yu Darvish as an attempt to cut payroll, but still had the pieces to potentially contend in the NL Central. The Cubs were in first in the division as late as June 24 before completely falling apart, leading to a fire sale and a fourth place finish in the division.
But one had to see that coming. Any team that gave a combined 72 starts to Zach Davies, Alec Mills, and Jake Arrieta was going to be in trouble anyway. The fact that it took almost half the year before the Cubs’ pitching issues caused an implosion is a bit surprising.
How the Chicago Cubs can contend once more
The Cubs are not ready to embrace mediocrity again. They have plans to retool this offseason, looking to contend in the NL Central once more with their eyes on the postseason. Given the status of the division, where there is not a clearcut favorite moving forward, it is entirely possible that happens.
How can the Chicago Cubs end up contending next season? Let’s take a look at three moves they should make for 2022.
Add pitching and do not stop
The Chicago Cubs have three players under contract for the 2022 season at a total of $38.5 million. Their arbitration class, provided they extend the offer to those players, is projected for another $30.8 million. In theory, the Cubs have plenty of payroll to work with.
This gives the Cubs a chance to fix their biggest issue – their pitching staff. Any team that has Kyle Hendricks as their de facto ace is likely going to be in trouble. Likewise, the bullpen is a disaster, and in desperate need of upgrades.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options. The Cubs do not need to shop at the top of the free agent pitching market to make an impact upon their rotation or bullpen. Adding the likes of Jon Gray or Eduardo Rodriguez, if not both, could go a long way to improving their chances. Should Adbert Alzolay develop as the Cubs hope, they could suddenly have a solid starting rotation next year.
The same can be said with the bullpen. It would make sense for the Cubs to bring a pitcher such as Andrew Chafin back into the fold, especially if the A’s decline his option. There are several closers that will be available in free agency, and the Cubs could steal Craig Kimbrel back from the White Sox once they place him on the trade block.
If the Chicago Cubs are looking to contend in 2022, they will need to remake their pitching staff. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there.
Trade Willson Contreras
Trading a key piece to the lineup would seemingly be the antithesis of building a contender. But the Chicago Cubs should consider a deal for Willson Contreras regardless.
He was a popular trade candidate last offseason, with teams such as the Yankees and Marlins listed as possibilities. The Yankees still need a catcher as they are seemingly done with Gary Sanchez, and may be willing to send the Cubs the type of trade package that they could use to pry Contreras away.
A trade also seems to make sense as there is no traction for an extension. Contreras had said that he wanted to know the Cubs’ plans to build a contending franchise once again before commiting to such a deal, and there has been silence since. Clearly, the Cubs are not interested in giving him that information.
It is possible that the Cubs could keep Contreras on board with a strong start to the season. But that appeared to be the case last year as well before everything fell apart. He may not be willing to engage in those talks until closer to the end of the season, leaving the Cubs to run the risk that he could walk without any compensation.
That is not a risk the Chicago Cubs can afford to take at this point. Even though it would seem counterintuitive, it would make sense to trade Willson Contreras.
Sign Starling Marte
Rafael Ortega was a great story for the Chicago Cubs last season. Pressed into the starting lineup due to their fire sale, he displayed surprising power and speed while showing that he can be a major league asset.
While he had a strong showing last year, Ortega also had never performed at that level in the majors before. It is possible that he is a late bloomer and can be a viable starter, but the Cubs should not run that risk if they are looking to contend. They need to add a starting center fielder and put Ortega back as their fourth outfielder.
Fortunately, there is a perfect option available. Starling Marte would give the Cubs a dynamic element that they are missing from the top of their lineup, someone who can cause havoc on the basepaths and give the middle of the order a chance to drive in runs.
Marte is also capable of scoring on his own. He has proven adept at getting on base, and led the majors in stolen bases in 2021. Add in his excellent defense in center, and he would be a perfect fit for a team looking to compete in the coming years.
Next. Cubs setting fans up for disappointment. dark
The Chicago Cubs need to remake their outfield. Adding Starling Marte would be a great start.