The Cubs aren’t done reshaping their roster as spring training gets underway. After missing out on Alex Bregman and making a surprising inquiry about Nolan Arenado, they’re still hunting for their next third baseman.
It’s been a busy offseason in Chicago. The Cubs shipped Cody Bellinger to the Yankees and brought in Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly from Houston, but they’re not satisfied yet. They need someone to man the hot corner, and they’ve been aggressive in pursuing big names.
The Cubs made a serious run at Alex Bregman, offering four years and $120 million. But they wouldn’t match Boston’s three-year, $120 million deal that ultimately landed the two-time All-Star.
“The Cubs, who jumped into the sweepstakes late, could have grabbed him if they changed their four-year, $120 million offer to the same 3-year, $120 million like the Red Sox, or perhaps even went to five years,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported. “Nope.”
That’s when things got interesting. The Cubs reached out to their longtime rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, about Nolan Arenado. It was always a longshot – division rivals rarely make blockbuster trades – and St. Louis quickly shut down any possibility of sending their eight-time All-Star to Chicago.
The interest in Arenado makes sense. He’s got the resume: 10 Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and consistent production at the plate. But his $260 million contract extension from 2019 complicates any potential deal.
So where do the Cubs go from here? The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney reports they might turn to Justin Turner as a veteran option. If they don’t add anyone else, top prospect Matt Shaw could get his shot at the everyday third base job by Opening Day.
After missing the playoffs four straight seasons, the Cubs clearly aren’t content with the status quo. The question is whether they’ll make one more big move before the season starts.
