Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have been adamant that they are going to retool as opposed to rebuild. Bringing Aaron Judge in for the 2023 season would back that sentiment up emphatically.
There would be a slight issue with signing Judge as Jason Heyward is still under contract in 2023. However, that is the last year of his deal, and the Cubs only have $8.01 million committed to the 2024 payroll. Judge could easily fit on the roster, bumping Heyward to the bench even if he would be an expensive piece.
He would make a major difference in the Cubs’ lineup as well. As it stands, they are hoping that Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel can continue their excellent showing over the final two months of the 2021 season and become key pieces of the lineup.
Even if that happens, it will not be enough to really make a difference to the lineup this year. The Cubs need far more than that duo to step up in order to have the type of roster that can strike fear into opposing pitchers. The same is true even if the Carlos Correa rumors come to fruition; they will still need to add pieces to the lineup to contend going forward.
Aaron Judge may be a year away from free agency. However, the Chicago Cubs can dream of what he would look like in different pinstripes.