Inside The Cubs

Chicago Cubs Seen as Likely Landing Spot for Gold Glove Third Baseman

An MLB insider sees the Chicago Cubs among the likely landing spots for a Gold Glove third baseman.
Kade Kistner|
Chicago Cubs Seen as Likely Landing Spot for Gold Glove Third Baseman
Chicago Cubs Seen as Likely Landing Spot for Gold Glove Third Baseman

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Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs need a bonafide third baseman heading into the 2024 MLB season. With Jeimer Candelario now a free agent, the Cubs must look to address the position.

Internally, it appears Chicago is not content rolling into next season with Nick Madrigal, Patrick Wisdom or Christopher Morel as the starting third baseman. The latter could also be on the trade block after a stellar 2023 season. 

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com sees the Cubs as a great fit for Gold Glover Matt Chapman. The former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman is the best option on the free agent market and is not only an elite defender, but has a consistent bat at the plate.

"The Cubs addressed their third-base need at last summer’s Trade Deadline with the acquisition of Candelario, but he is now a free agent," writes Feinsand. "Chicago has some internal options at the position (Nick Madrigal, Christopher Morel, Patrick Wisdom), but Chapman would represent an upgrade over their choices."

The National League Central appears to be the Cubs' for the taking, but they have their eyes set on much more than a divisional championship. 

In order to compete deep into October, Chicago must address their hot corner situation. Chapman would be seen as a significant upgrade to what they rolled out for most of 2023. 

However, Chapman won't come cheap. He is one of the most highly sought after free agents and represents the crown jewel of the third base free agent class. Any franchise looking for help at the hot corner will be in on him.

If the Cubs want him, they will have to pay.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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