Chicago Cubs Need to Target This First Baseman in Free Agency

Two years after being sellers at the trade deadline for consecutive seasons, the Chicago Cubs are in the playoffs entering Tuesday.

It's a rapid ascension that was helped along by the free agency signings of shortstop Dansby Swanson and outfielder Cody Bellinger during the offseason.

The Cubs need to go after another big name in free agency this year to address their current hole of first baseman.

Patrick Mooney of The Athletic writes, "If the Cubs want to be taken seriously as a team that can win multiple postseason rounds next year, they will have to address big holes at first base and third base. Again, the door hasn’t been closed on a reunion with Bellinger, who can move between center field and first base. It would make sense to stay in touch with Candelario, who could be a nice placeholder as a switch-hitter who can handle first base and third base."

But, why would they continue to sign rotational pieces or placeholders at that position instead of getting a solidified option on both offense and defense?

Rhys Hoskins is one of the biggest bats on the market this offseason despite recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in March and will be one of the most coveted players on the market.

The 30-year-old has spent all six MLB seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, recording a career slash line of .242/.353/.492 with 148 home runs and 405 RBI.

If Hoskins is fully recovered and stays healthy, he's a major upgrade for what Chicago has been doing at the position this season.

Bellinger should be a priority as well, but not to use at first base.

President Jed Hoyer is expected to be aggressive during the offseason. He should star by looking at the best first baseman on the market and trying to get him to become a Cub.