The Chicago Cubs have been very quiet so far this offseason and the fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the team to make a notable move. So far, the biggest move the team has made was bringing in pitcher Wade Miley from the Cincinnati Reds. Jed Hoyer has openly stated that the Cubs want to be aggressive this offseason, but so far, that has not been the case.
After suffering through a rough 2021 MLB season, the Cubs need to make moves if they want to get back into contention in the National League. They ended up choosing to trade Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and plenty others ahead of the trade deadline. To re-energize the fans, the Cubs need to tinker with their roster.
Looking at the free agents available, there is still time for the Cubs to make a major move. Many believe they could even be open to bringing back one of the stars they traded last year.
It will be interesting to see what the rest of the offseason holds for Hoyer and company. Do they stay quiet and move towards developing their young talent? Will they swing big with a free agent or two?
Let's take a look at three free agents the Cubs should still look to pursue.
3. Jose Urena – Starting Pitcher
If the Cubs would like to make a low-cost, potentially high-reward type of signing to bolster their starting rotation, they could look to sign Urena. He is coming off of a rough season with the Detroit Tigers, but he has shown plenty of potential throughout his career. Urena is now 30 years old and his price tag is down much further than many would have expected just a few short years ago.
Last season with the Tigers, Urena ended up starting in 18 games. He tallied a 4-8 record to go along with a 5.81 ERA. Obviously, those numbers aren't good, but the Cubs could sign him to a team-friendly deal to see if they can get him back on track.
In 2018 with the Miami Marlins, Urena ended up with a 9-12 record and a 3.81 ERA. He was playing for a bad team, but he still looked like a very promising young pitcher. Perhaps a change of scenery to the Windy City could help him get back to that level of play as a back-of-the-rotation kind of pitcher.
2. Michael Conforto – Outfielder
Another area that the Cubs could focus on improving this offseason would be their outfield. They wouldn't have to look farther than Conforto to be a potential impact signing in free agency. He's also the type of player that wouldn't break the bank for the squad.
Conforto was not entirely amazing last season with the New York Mets, but then again most of the team struggled. He ended the campaign playing in 125 games and recording a .232 batting average to go along with 14 home runs and 55 RBI's. The Cubs would need his production at the plate to improve, but Conforto would be a realistic and solid signing.
At 28 years of age, he would also fit with the Cubs' blueprint in free agency. They want to add pieces that can help them compete now, but also be a part of building toward the future. If they sign him to a two or three-year deal, it would still make sense moving forward for the franchise.
1. Javier Baez, Shortstop
Finally, there is one former Cubs star that the team should absolutely be looking to bring back. That would be “El Mago” Baez, who has been a fan favorite for years. Hoyer would love to add a star shortstop and simply bringing back someone familiar with the organization would make a ton of sense for them and Baez.
The Cubs have the money to give Baez the kind of contract he is looking to receive. His ability to make big plays defensively and at the plate make him a perfect cornerstone for the team's future. The 28-year-old Baez does have the issue of getting a bit crazy at the plate, but his time with the franchise before was an overall major positive.
Baez would be welcomed back to Chicago with open arms and he would likely love to return. His tenure with the Mets and the New York fanbase did not go well, so returning to a place he knows and loves would have to be of interest to him. This is a major move that the Cubs could and should try to make this offseason.
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