MLB Rumors: Cubs Have 4 Big Targets In Free Agency

The Chicago Cubs are ready to spend some cash to accelerate their rebuild. That's the word we've been hearing from the front office. Owner Tom Ricketts has stated that President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer will have "whatever he needs" this offseason.

David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago has the lowdown on four big names the Cubs will be targeting, in some form, this winter.

Kaplan on KXNO here in Iowa this afternoon, #Cubs nuggets:
- Cubs interested in Abreu if he does not re-sign w/Sox
- Trea Turner is a name to watch for, Cubs really like him.
- Cubs would be interested in DeGrom at like 3 years.
- Cubs would be interested in Judge at 5 years.

— Hot Stove Cubbies (@HotStoveCubbies) October 26, 2022

Kaplan said that superstar shortstop Trea Turner is a name to watch for. Yes, the Cubs would have every reason to be super interested in the multi-talented Turner. But he's also been heard to say that Wrigley Field would be a nice location to play for any player. “It seems like everyone who plays there really, really likes it,” Turner said, “I’m sure that’s for numerous reasons, whether it’s the history, or the fan base, or how they run the organization, or the fans just showing up each and every day—they pack that place out." 

Jacob deGrom was also mentioned, and the Cubs would be interested in a 3-year deal with the 34-year-old pitcher. 

Their interest in Aaron Judge, Kaplan said, would be on a 5-year contract. That's unlikely to get it done, however, as Judge will be chasing a historic longer-term deal than that. 

Every indication is that 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu is on the way out for the Chicago White Sox, and if that's the case, the Cubs would be interested in looking at the 35-year-old to take a trip to the North Side. 

Although Kaplan didn't mention him, it would be surprising if Carlos Rodon was not also a target for the Cubs, as the two-time All-Star is familiar with, and likes Chicago from his time with the White Sox. When it comes to the biggest names in free agency, it certainly appears that the Cubs are definitely a team to watch this winter. 

 Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports