As the MLB free agency market heats up, the Chicago Cubs have been awfully quiet. There has been no buzz about potential targets or whether they are planning to be aggressive for big names. Over the last few years, things have been the exact opposite.

Theo Epstein has been very aggressive in free agency. He signed Yu Darvish to a massive contract last offseason, which ended up being a major disappointment. Chicago is hoping that Darvish can get back to full health and be a major difference maker for the team in 2019.

Bryce Harper is a name that has been connected to the Cubs for the past couple seasons. His close friendship with Kris Bryant and his apparent love for the city of Chicago has spurred rumors that the Cubs could end up being the team that signs him.

According to a report from Patrick Mooney of The Athletic via the International Business Times, the Cubs are not expected to make Harper a major offer this offseason.

“Almost every indication is that the Cubs are not thinking, talking or acting like a team that’s about to give out the biggest contract in the history of professional sports.”

Chicago may change their mind after the St. Louis Cardinals made the blockbuster trade to acquire star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks. They already lost the NL Central to the Milwaukee Brewers last season.

If the Cubs want to get back to the top of the division, they may want to add a superstar at the plate like Harper.

Last season with the Washington Nationals, Harper had a bit of a down season. He batted .249 to go along with 34 home runs and 100 RBI's. Those numbers are still impressive, even though he wasn't playing as well as he usually does.

All of that being said, it will be intriguing to see what Epstein and the Cubs do this offseason. Harper may not be their biggest priority right now, but that could be open to changing depending on what else happens.