Chicago Cubs Predicted To Miss On Pair Of Star Free Agent Targets

The Chicago Cubs could have a rough end to their offseason if they're not able to land at least one more star.

There's a newfound excitement surrounding the Chicago Cubs and their offseason after they landed Shota Imanaga in free agency and made a trade to acquire two pieces that should immediately help their team in 2024.

Jed Hoyer hinted the Cubs might not be done adding either.

With that in mind, there are two main targets who have been repeatedly linked to Chicago throughout the winter.

Re-signing Cody Bellinger seems like an obvious fit to get him back into their lineup and defensive unit.

Matt Chapman is the other one. He addresses their major hole at third base by substantially upgrading the defensive output, while also providing solid hitting.

However, R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports doesn't think the Cubs will land either of the stars this offseason.

He is predicting Bellinger ends up with the Toronto Blue Jays and Chapman signs with the San Francisco Giants.

The Blue Jays have long been linked to Bellinger as a potential suitor and could view him as the left-handed bat they desperately need in their lineup.

"The Blue Jays, who missed out on adding an impact lefty bat in Shohei Ohtani, might feel obligated to find out as a means of bolstering their chances of hanging in the always imposing American League East," Anderson writes.

Chapman has been linked to the Giants throughout this offseason as well.

They need some star players after whiffing on high-profile free agents the past few years.

"The Giants could use the boost, in terms of slugging and starpower. It doesn't hurt that manager Bob Melvin is familiar with Chapman from their shared time with the Oakland Athletics," Anderson says.

That last part is interesting.

Chapman spent five years with the Oakland Athletics and had the best seasons of his career there, making his lone All-Star game in 2019 when he hit 36 homers and drove in 91 runs.

With questions about how his bat might age, San Francisco could be the team most comfortable with offering the righty slugger a massive contract based on his relationship with Bob Melvin.

Chicago has been seen as a likely destination for one of, if not both, these star players.

Not landing either of them would be a disaster.