The Chicago Cubs may not be making the postseason this year, but they are expected to go all-in on two big free agents this offseason.
The Chicago Cubs are set to miss the postseason for the second-consecutive year. This comes after they decided to move on from their core of players that helped them win the World Series in 2016. They replenished the farm system, and apparently they have some big moves planned in free agency.
According to NBC Sports Chicago’s David Kaplan, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner and San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carlos Rodon have interest in the Cubs. Kaplan then said that the team is going to spend money in the offseason and they will target both Turner and Rodon.
Kaplan’s comments come in his YouTube video “REKAP” following the team’s 3-1 win over the New York Mets on Sept. 13.
Cubs rumors: Chicago interested in Trea Turner and Carlos Rodon in free agency
“Heard something interesting today. Trea Turner? Definitely interested in the Cubs,” said Kaplan, h/t Bleacher Nation. “Definitely. And the Cubs? Mutually interested in Trea Turner.
And guess who else is interested in the Cubs? Carlos Rodon. Yes. Loved pitching in Chicago. Knows that the Cubs are a team with some players coming out of the system, and they need a top of the rotation arm ….
“But I’m just telling you: This team is going to spend, I’m told. For sure. And those are two of the guys they’re targeting.”
Has your attention been grabbed, Cubs fans? Because that would be two huge gets for the team if they are to agree to terms on contracts this upcoming Hot Stove season.
Turner is set to be the top shortstop available this offseason, as he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year. After spending the majority of his career with the Washington Nationals, who was traded to the Dodgers alongside Max Scherzer at the deadline last year. This season, Turner is living up to his reputation, and could command a huge payday.
Through 140 games this season, Turner recorded a .305 batting average, a .350 on-base percentage, a .488 slugging percentage, 20 home runs, 96 RBI, and 175 hits.
As for Rodon, he signed a one-year deal with the Giants last offseason after playing with the Chicago White Sox for the first seven years of his career. This year, Rodon recorded a 2.93 ERA, a 1.051 WHIP, a 12-8 win-loss record, 212 strikeouts, and 48 walks in 162.2 innings (28 starts). Additionally, Rodon leads the league in fielding independent pitching (2.33), and strikeouts per nine innings (11.7).
What say you Cubs fans? Would you want the team to pursue Turner and Rodon this offseason?