MLB Insider Thinks Chicago Cubs Should Sign Elite Free Agent Closer

It doesn't seem like the Chicago Cubs will be shy about spending during free agency this year. They already turned heads by making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history and seemingly still have the checkbook out for more.

They've been linked to multiple free agents throughout the offseason as they look to create a perennial playoff contender.

Re-signing Cody Bellinger is their priority but that won't come cheap. They were also rumored to be in the starting pitcher market and have been one of the teams seen to be heavily pursuing Shohei Ohtani.

One MLB insider has connected them to another elite player in free agency as well.

Jon Morosi thinks that three teams are the ideal fits for closer Josh Hader. He lists the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies and the Cubs.

Chicago missed the playoffs by one game because their bullpen fell apart down the stretch. They didn't have a group of reliable relief arms and ultimately couldn't put important games away.

Hader would completely eliminate that issue.

Morosi also notes a different angle about what the signing of the elite closer could do for the franchise.

"If you’re the Cubs, and if you believe you’ve got the makings of a World Series team this year, and/or you believe you want to build out a club that Shohei Ohtani looks at and says, 'Hey, I want to play at Wrigley Field,' signing Josh Hader would make you more of a World Series contender and certainly would improve your status in the Shohei sweepstakes as well," he said.

That's a very interesting point.

Ohtani has repeatedly said he wants to play for a playoff contending team having never played postseason baseball in the MLB before.

With Hader in the mix, that would certainly be a major selling point to Ohtani and his representatives, signaling they're doing everything in their power to win.

This would not be a cheap offseason if that's the route the Cubs want to take. But everything they've done so far has suggested they're willing to spend major money.