MLB.com tracks all the latest Cubs-related free agency and trade rumors here.
Feb. 26: Will the Cubs make another big contract soon?
The oft-rumored reunion between the Cubs and Cody Bellinger finally materialized over the weekend. But the Cubs may not be done with additions to the lineup. The North Siders have been linked with third baseman Matt Chapman all offseason, and according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, “it would be foolish to close the door” on an agreement between the two teams.
“While the Cubs' payroll remains below the first competitive balance tax threshold, signing Chapman would likely push them above the $237 million mark,” Feinsand wrote. “If Chapman is willing to sign a contract in the same structure as Bellinger, the Cubs would still be in the running to acquire a third baseman if they are willing to exceed that initial threshold, even if the AAV and total guarantees are likely to be lower.” There is a possibility that it can be done.”
The Cubs have several candidates to fill the hot corner role. But Chapman is much better at third base defense than Christopher Morrell or Patrick Wisdom, and his bat is exponentially more powerful than Nick Madrigal's.
The Mariners and Giants are two other clubs that have reportedly expressed interest in the 30-year-old slugger recently.
Feb. 19: Bellinger had “several discussions” with the Cubs.
Cody Bellinger, who was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year for the Cubs last season, remains unsigned even though the first spring training game of the season is just days away. The Cubs' first game will be played Friday afternoon. A reunion seems likely, but it doesn't seem like they're that close to the finish line. On Monday, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said the two sides “have had some discussions, but we haven't reached negotiations yet.” See more >
Jan. 27: Are the Cubs preparing a big move to address their offense?
The Cubs have made multiple moves this month to address pitching issues, signing Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga to a four-year contract on Jan. 11, then signing relief pitcher Hector Nellis on Saturday. It is reported that a one-year contract has been reached. But Chicago still has work to do before its pitchers and catchers report to spring training in mid-February.
The Cubs traded for infielder Michael Busch (MLB Pipeline's No. 44 overall prospect), but have yet to add a proven hitter to their lineup, leaving a gaping hole since Cody Bellinger became a free agent. is open. Some Cubs have already expressed interest in playing with Bellinger again in 2024. Chicago also has been linked to free agent third baseman Matt Chapman and was also linked to first baseman Reece Hoskins before signing with the rival Brewers.
Jon Heyman, MLB Network Insider He appeared on Bleacher Report on Wednesday and said he thinks it's likely Bellinger will eventually return to the Cubs, even though the two teams haven't found a match yet.
“At this point, I believe that [Bellinger to the Cubs] It’s very possible,” Heyman said. “I'm never saying it's guaranteed. I'll just say I think they're probably the favorites at this point. I don't want to say it's likely, but that's probably overstated. But I think the Cubs are Bellinger's favorite.”
Chicago's acquisition of Bush is particularly intriguing as it relates to the team's free agent acquisitions, with The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma (subscription required) reporting that Bush will enter spring training as the team's primary first baseman. It is reported that he is expected to participate.
The Cubs are pursuing Cody Bellinger, the top first base prospect in this offseason's first-agent market, but the move to acquire Bush likely leaves Chicago with a deal for third baseman Matt Chapman or starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery. resources may be concentrated elsewhere. Two other free agents the Cubs have recently contacted.
Although Bellinger played more center field than first base for the Cubs in 2023, as Sharma points out, the team has no choice but to replace top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong (12th overall) as their center fielder of the future. He says he is thinking about. Therefore, if Bellinger were to be re-signed, it would likely be as a first baseman.