Cubs more interested in trades than free agency?
While the Chicago Cubs are expected to be busy this coming winter, it appears that they may ultimately choose to add players via trade rather than in free agency.
This could throw a wrench in their plans to re-sign Cody Bellinger, who is set to hit the open market yet again this winter. Jesse Rogers of ESPN believes that the Cubs would be better positioned to make a trade than make a big signing.
First base is an area where the Cubs could look to improve, and with the New York Mets not planning on bouncing back into contention until 2026, it's possible that the Cubs could target slugger and former MVP candidate Pete Alonso.
The 28-year-old hit only .217 during the regular season, but still hit 46 home runs and drove in 118 runs while posting an OPS of .822 with the Mets.
Alonso would be a significant addition to the Cubs lineup. He would provide power from the right side of the plate and also fill the void at first base.
The Cubs do have Matt Mervis waiting in the wings, but he hit only .167 with three homers when he was called up.
Cubs targeting Japanese starter
The Cubs may also dive into the international market in their search for starting pitching.
Back in September, Dai Takegami Podziewski of MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Cubs had been scouting Japanese right-hander Naoyuki Uwasawa. The right-hander made a start on September 2 and had scouts from the Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, and Cubs in attendance.
Uwasawa posted a 2.84 ERA this season, as well as an 18.1 percent strikeout rate and a 7.7 percent walk rate over 158.1 innings of work.
Uwasawa could be a very under-the-radar signing for teams in need of starting pitchers. He might not cost quite as much as Yoshinobu Yamamoto or some of the other starters available on the free-agent market, which could make him an ideal target for the Cubs.
He led the NPB in innings pitched this year, and the Cubs could use a starter who could cover some innings. However, one thing to note is that he is more of a pitch-to-contact type pitcher, and the Cubs may want to stay away from that. He is also coming to Major League Baseball from the posting system, which could impact his price tag.
Cubs rumors: Could Cody Bellinger remain in Chicago?
The Cubs are set for a busy offseason.
The biggest question the team has to answer as of now is whether or not Cody Bellinger will be back in Chicago in 2024.
Rival scouts discussed what Bellinger could bring if he ultimately stays with the Cubs and what could potentially happen if he departs Chicago in free agency. The Cubs currently have outfielder Pete-Crow Armstrong in their minor league system, who appears to be close to Major League ready.
However, one scout stated that it might not be the best idea to let Bellinger walk (subscription required) and give the center field job to Armstrong.
The scout stated he doesn't think it's a good idea to just hand jobs to rookie players, forcing them to pay their dues and earn a starting role. He also pointed out Bellinger's ability to play first base gives them an option as far as a defensive alignment for him if and when the Cubs feel ready to give PCA the role in the outfield.
This is certainly one way Bellinger could stay in Chicago. The Cubs may have an opening at first base, and Bellinger is fully capable of playing that position.
The scout further stated that an organization with financial resources shouldn't refrain from signing star players to big contracts just to clear a spot for a prospect.
