Cubs Get Another Opening For Gold Glover After Seattle Mariners Shy Away From Deal
It might just be wishful thinking to believe the Chicago Cubs could actually make another major addition to their roster before the new season begins.
After entering free agency with the supposed plan to aggressively pursue free agents, they've whiffed on their top targets and have sat idle in the chase of others.
The Cubs don't necessarily have the luxury of doing that either.
On paper, their lineup is worse than it was in 2023 after losing Cody Bellinger to free agency. Without negotiations taking place, the front office seems content to let the Comeback Player of the Year suit up for another team.
Still, there are holes on the roster that adding a marquee free agent could address.
Most notably, they have not solved their issue at third base.
Craig Counsell said they're going to give Christopher Morel another shot at the position, but to this point, the slugger has not shown defensive prowess that the organization is looking for in that role.
Matt Chapman would, yet Chicago doesn't seem interested in the four-time Gold Glover.
It looked like the Seattle Mariners might make an aggressive play for him, but their general manager Justin Hollander said "we may add on the margins" when asked about remaining free agents.
That suggests they're now out on Chapman altogether, or waiting for his price to come down before engaging in contract talks.
But, this provides the Cubs another opening.
The longer Chapman remains unsigned, the more chances Chicago has at finally yielding to meet an asking price from one of the remaining high-profile players.
It also buys them more time to see if Morel, or their other third base options, actually meet the expectations they have for that position.
Again, it might just be wishful thinking to believe the Cubs might actually pursue Chapman, but at least they seemingly have more time to decide on offering him a contract or not.
