MLB Rumors: 2 Free Agent Targets For Chicago Cubs

 

The Chicago Cubs tore it all down at the trade deadline last summer, trading away their 2016 World Series core, including Javy Baez, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. But now it's clear that the Cubs are ready to build it back up, as they already jumped into the free agent fray before the lockout, signing starter Marcus Stroman to a 3-year, $71M contract. 

The Cubs have also added some other players, including outfielder Clint Frazier and pitcher Wade Miley off waivers, along with catcher Yan Gomes. But every Cubs fan knows what the real target needs to be once baseball business opens up once again: Shortstop. Here's a look at two free agent targets that are on the Cubs' radar.

Carlos Correa

The calls have been vocal around the North Side to bring in an impact bat like Correa to fill the need at short. Heck, even Stroman himself is doing some recruiting. 

Of course, with Correa recently switching agents to go with Scott Boras, they'll have to open up the vault to get the former Houston Astros' bad boy to town. Correa will be looking to at least equal, if not top, the $325M contract that fellow free agent Corey Seager got from the Texas Rangers. 

Correa would provide the power bat for the middle of the order, along with the defense at short, that the team needs.

Carlos Rodon

The Cubs finished with the 2nd-worst WAR among starting pitchers in all of baseball in 2021 (only the Baltimore Orioles were worse). Yes, they already added Marcus Stroman and Wade Miley. But more is needed. Rodon is a high-risk, high-reward option here, but perhaps a risk worth taking. 

The crosstown White Sox declined to submit the qualifying offer to Rodon, indicating that his late-season injury problems and velocity-drop are red flags. But if a short-term deal can be worked out (1 or 2 years), why not take a flyer? The upside that Rodon displayed in the first half of '21 could push the Cubs into the playoff picture, something they're setting their sights on. 

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports