The Chicago Cubs are 4.0 games out of a wild card spot and face tough series against the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies while the Atlanta Braves have the fourth most manageable schedule. With playoff chances fading and potentially missing the postseason for the second year in a row, here are three players they should target this offseason to improve their chances.
3 Offseason Targets For the Cubs
Juan Soto, RF, NY Yankees
In a contract year, Soto has been excelling in the Bronx, slashing a mouth-watering .295/.423/.592, which pairs well with his 38 home runs and 7.5 WAR, already a career-high. Seiya Suzuki’s lackluster defense in right field was evident throughout the year and hurt the Cubs at times in the challenging position.
Albeit, his price tag will be costly. The Dominican-born player has had projections north of the half-a-billion mark for his contract, wherever he lands this offseason. The Cubs notoriously don’t spend big, and when they have, with Dansby Swanson and Jason Heyward, they haven’t reached the level the organization would’ve liked. With an already large payroll, Cubs GM Jed Hoyer may be prevented from engaging in such a transaction, but I think this is a player the Cubs cannot pass on.
Soto is one of the top five players in baseball and one of the game’s biggest stars. Since the 2021 trade deadline, which saw the departure of Cubs big three Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez, the city has lacked a superstar caliber player, which all contending teams and big markets have. It isn’t realistic to wait for a player like this in the draft or develop him because he is a generational talent who slots into the three or four-hole in every team in baseball. This is the Cub’s chance to stun the league and implement themselves as serious pennant contenders in the National League.
Tyler Holton, LHP, Detroit Tigers
Holton is by no means a household name and not the go-to closer in the Motor City, as that role belongs to Jason Foley, but Holton is having a sneaky good season for the Detroit Tigers. The lefty has only surrendered one run in his last six innings pitched, and in all six of his save appearances this season, he has converted.
Currently, the Cubs only have one lefty in the pen, Drew Smyly, who cleared waivers and re-joined the team last week, which has hurt the team in big scenarios where the southpaw needs to be called upon. The Cubs have blown 23 saves this season, tied for second most in the league and one behind the Rockies and Cardinals. While Porter Hodge has shined in the role recently, bullpen depth, especially for a lefty, is a must for any team looking to contend, and Holton is a sneaky pick-up that could develop into a critical piece for the pen.
Currently, Holton has a one-year deal of just over $750,000 with the Tigers and should be a cheap addition to the pen, contrary to a Soto-like move, and shouldn’t be too much if they were to trade for him.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Toronto Blue Jays
I don’t realistically see a scenario where the Cubs pursue both Soto and Vladdy. However, Guerrero would be a fantastic addition to this side needing a big bat. Despite a slow start, Vladdy has had a tremendous year, currently possessing a .328 average, a career-high second in the entire league. Guerrero, too, will see his contract end at the end of the year after signing a one-year $19.9 million deal to remain up north.
It has been known that Michael Busch isn’t currently playing in his primary position at first, and it would be optimal for his development to play at second base. With the likes of Matt Shaw, Kevin Alcantara, and James Triantos all expected to reach the significant league level soon, it is imminent that one of them or Nico Horner will be shipped away for a haul, whether it’s this offseason or next with Busch remaining an everyday player in the lineup.
Regardless of who it is, the Wrigley Faithful deserves a superstar-like player, and the organization needs exactly who it needs to reach the glory of the 2016 team that captivated Chicago and the league.
Main Image: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
