Trea Turner. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs should target these three MLB free agents while avoiding this other one.
This offseason should be fun for the Chicago Cubs. They’ve temporarily taken a step back. Now is the time to build a winner.
Not too many teams will go from non-contender to a serious bidder. The Cubs are an exception to this norm. They are fully expected to land at least one of the major free agents out there.
An important factor for the fans to remember is that they might not be quite ready to win it all in 2023. The goal is to build a better ball club. It’s a slower process. With this in mind, it’s important for the Cubs to pay attention to how long free agents will be at the top of their game. There are free agents they should pursue. Then there are those they should avoid.
1. Cubs should sign Trea Turner to completely change their lineup
Trea Turner is arguably the best free agent out there after Aaron Judge. An obvious fit for the Cubs next year, he’s coming off of a great season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Making him the priority would be great for the ball club. He’s a little older than some of the other free agent shortstops but not showing any signs of slowing down.
In fact, Turner is getting better in some areas. He’s showing off more power while his speed keeps up with him.
Adding Turner to the roster would be a huge move for the Cubs to get back into contention. They’d have an obvious new leadoff hitter. Signing him would also help them fill second base with Nico Hoerner. He can easily slide over there and give them a fun double play duo.
Turner will have plenty of suitors. If the Cubs miss on him, there’s someone they should turn to immediately. He’s another one of the top shortstops available to ink this winter.