Cubs remain linked with a trio of veterans |
It would be nice if the Chicago Cubs returned to being the big-market team they are. Yet, for whatever reason, Jed Hoyer and Tom Ricketts continue to operate like a team strapped for cash, content to stay under the Luxury Tax. That is especially true this season, as they did pass the Tax last year, and now the pressure is on for Hoyer to build a playoff-caliber roster while still staying under the Tax.
Trading for Kyle Tucker will help with that, as will the trade of Cody Bellinger, as they opened up nearly $30 million dollars in additional money this offseason. That means the Cubs still have between $40-50 million dollars to spend before they pass the Tax, which is a good thing when you have more holes to fill. The problem now is determining which holes the Cubs feel are the most important to fill and what price they are willing to pay to fill those holes. Eventually, this team will have to spend or even overspend to fix this roster, as there is no way they can roll into next season with how things sit right now. This organization will have to put all of their ducks in a row on prospects, which is a perilous game to play. Sure, guys like Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, and Moises Ballesteros may be given a chance at some point this season, but if you are relying on those guys most of the season to put you over the top, that is a problem. Something has to give at some point, but should it not, then Hoyer will be looking for a new job next season, as his contract is up after the season. Despite most of this being bad news, there is some good news to take from all this, as the Cubs remain in the hunt for a trio of high-ticket free-agent players. What they do with that is on them, but at the very least, the Cubs continue pursuing every outlet to improve this roster.
As odd as it may sound, Alonso to the Cubs makes too much sense, and there are various rumors that it seems likely that he could land in Chicago. Much of that has to do with Michael Busch's versatility, as they could move Busch back to third, which was his natural position, to clear a path for Alonso. The only way that happens is if Hoerner is traded for pitching, which moves Shaw to second, and then Busch takes over third. Although not the same player he was a few years ago, Alonso is the type of big bat the middle of this lineup is searching for, and his addition will instantly boost this lineup. Coming off a season where he saw his average hover around .240, Alonso did improve from 2023, which is all you can ask for in a player. Even if the average isn't what it used to be, his power will remain the same as his 34 homers and 88 RBIs will show that. Both are down from where they have been, but they would have led the Cubs last season. Put his bat together with Tucker and Seiya Suzuki, and big things could happen for the veteran slugger.Pete Alonso
Jack Flaherty
In what has been a rumor for over a month now, the Cubs are not only interested in the veteran right-hander, but it does feel like he will be the arm they get should they not land Roki Sasaki. Sure, you still have the Seattle Mariners lingering out there in a trade scenario for Luis Castillo, but unless the Cubs are guaranteed to find a replacement for Nico Hoerner, that may be out of the cards at this point.
That alone is the main reason Flaherty to the Cubs keeps popping up, and the more you think about it, the more it makes sense on a three-year deal. The former St. Louis Cardinals Ace has had a solid MLB career thus far but has also dealt with some injuries. It got to the point where his final two years in St. Louis were so bad that they felt the need to trade him to Baltimore before hitting free agency.
Flaherty then signed a one-year deal with the Tigers before getting traded to the Dodgers, and for the most part, he was as good as advertised. Flaherty combined to go 13-7 for the season and posted a 3.18 ERA, his lowest mark since 2019. That included a 2.95 ERA with the Tigers pre-trade instead of a 3.58 ERA with the Dodgers.
Should Flaherty stay healthy and deliver at a level close to what he showed last season, there is no question that he would be an upgrade in this rotation and would fit in nicely as the No.3 guy. Keep an eye on him for the next few weeks as the Cubs continue to target him.
Kirby Yates
Another name linked to the Cubs is veteran closer Kirby Yates. Arguably the best closer on the open market, Yates will be 38 next season and can be had for a one-year deal. Despite his age, Yates continues to age like a fine wine and put together one of the best seasons in the majors last season for a reliever.
In his 61 games last season, Yates locked down 33 saves for the Rangers and posted a 7-2 record with a 1.17 ERA. He did that while striking out 85 hitters over 61 innings and holding batters to a .147 combined average. Those are elite numbers, in any way you slice it, so it makes sense for the Cubs or anyone to land him on a short-term contract.
Unlike most closers who thrive in the 97+ range for their heater, Yates isn't a hard thrower and tends to sit in the 93-95 range with his fastball. His ability to locate and change speeds, paired with some of the best pitch movements in the game, makes him so successful. Any of these three additions would be a massive get for this team and could be the exclamation point of the offseason.
