What Should the Cubs Do This Offseason?

I am going to go over a few options that I think the Cubs should explore and pursue this offseason. I think the need is quite clear, they need impact players, "stars" as some could say. They have built up some pretty impressive organization depth in a short amount of trade, as Jed Hoyer has done a great job rebuilding the farm that is now becoming big league ready. So let's go over some realistic and unrealistic options.

1. Re-sign Cody Bellinger. This has to happen no matter what. I think there is a number and there is a term amount that is too much, but I don't think negotiations come close to that and this needs to be the Cubs' number one priority. He can play center until PCA is ready, and then he can be moved around and I assume play a lot of first base.

2. Swing big and trade for Juan Soto. This idea has picked up a lot of steam as of late, especially with Cubs' insiders saying that the Cubs will be in on trade negotiations for Juan Soto. Juan Soto has one year left on his deal, but he is 25 and is without a doubt one of the best hitters in the world. I think an underrated part of that is the fit, which is a little weird especially if the Cubs do #1 on this list. But, the idea that the cost will be absurd is just not true. I think it will take trading a guy like Christopher Morel, who I love, but Morel is only a few months younger than Soto. But, I think Soto, a guy the Padres have 5-10 in the Cubs system, and a guy 15-20 in the system. We have to understand that the Padres do not have the upper hand in the negotiation. It is known they are cutting cost and looking to trade Soto, and GM Jed Hoyer really does not have to do this, so if the asking price is too much, the Cubs will just simply back off. So, I think this is realistic as the Cubs will be able to put together one of the best offers, but Hoyer will not give up too much knowing there is only one year left (if they do this they absolutely need to resign him long term).

3. Trade for Pete Alonso. A lot of what I said about Soto applies here too. A big time impact bat with one year left. But, what the difference is that Pete plays a position of need for Chicago and probably costs less than Soto, as long as the Mets are willing to move him. I would like to see it but I see this option as unlikely.

4. Trade for Tyler Glasnow. This would be an impact addition on the pitching side, and even though Glasnow has a year left and can never seem to stay healthy, the Cubs get him for cheap if the Rays do not want to pay his salary. When healthy, this is still elite arm talent that would likely slide in as the second best rotation arm for Chicago. I have not seen a ton of rumors about this, but the Rays and Cubs don't make things like this super public, so I think this is more likely than number 3.

5. Trade for Jorge Polanco. Yes, I know this is not really a star. But, if things don't go exactly right this offseason, this is someone who could really help the Cubs for the next two years of his contract. I don't think the Twins would be willing to just get rid of him, but acquiring him would help the lineup certainly and he has shown he can play some 3B too. He had a 118 wRC+ in 80 games and that's no fluke too, as his career mark is 111. This is something that would be out of nowhere as of now, so I would say this is not likely.

So, these would be five impact additions that the Cubs could potentially go after this offseason. Outside of adding "starpower", adding some more proven relievers seems to be the other clear need. Like I said in the beginning, the organization depth is really good right now, but it is clear they need to cash some of that in for some really impact players.