{"id":533752,"date":"2026-01-23T03:06:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T03:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/533752\/"},"modified":"2026-01-23T03:06:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T03:06:23","slug":"chicago-cubs-encouraged-to-sign-5-time-all-star-on-the-cheap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/533752\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Cubs encouraged to sign 5-time All-Star on the cheap"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs have had a very eventful offseason and, in a lot of ways, have changed the narrative regarding their ownership being irredeemably frugal and conservative with spending.<\/p>\n

More News: Chicago Cubs: Good Riddance Kyle Tucker?<\/a><\/p>\n

They went out and pulled a daring trade for emerging power pitcher Edward Cabrera, dealing away three prospects, including no. 1 prospect Owen Caissie.<\/p>\n

They signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract.<\/p>\n

They also restocked a deplete bullpen with four new free agent relievers and several depth pieces below them.<\/p>\n

All told, the Cubs spent over $220 million this offseason on acquiring new talent and re-signing holdovers from last season.<\/p>\n

But the work\u2019s not completely done for a squad that hopes to compete for a championship in 2026.<\/p>\n

The last piece of the Cubs\u2019 2026 puzzle
\n\"MLB:Oct 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8), center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) and right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) celebrate after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

More News: Chicago Cubs face harsh reality via Baseball America\u2019s Top 100 prospects list<\/a><\/p>\n

Maybe the biggest remaining question mark on the roster can be found in the outfield, one notch below starters Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki. To be precise, there\u2019s pretty much nobody in the fourth outfielder spot who can spell the three starters and take their position in case of injury.<\/p>\n

Currently penciled into that role is the 23-year-old Kevin Alcantara, who has played all three outfield positions in the minors. He hasn\u2019t shown, however, an ability to play every day in the majors. The Cubs also picked up Dodgers castoff Justin Dean, who looks to be a no-bat, all-speed player. They\u2019re also talking about using Matt Shaw as an outfield backup this season.<\/p>\n

So, with an apparent willingness to spend and, also, a willingness to drift just above the luxury tax threshold, could the Cubs dip into the free agency pool once again for a quality fourth outfielder?<\/p>\n

One more free agent this year?
\n\"AndrewSep 3, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (22) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib<\/a> is pushing for the Cubs to sign the 39-year-old Andrew McCutchen for that role:<\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew McCutchen is universally loved \u2013 and that\u2019s coming from a site dedicated to a team he\u2019s had plenty of big moments against in his 17-year MLB career. At age 39, his best days are behind him. But that doesn\u2019t mean he doesn\u2019t still have something to offer.<\/p>\n

Last year with Pittsburgh, McCutchen slashed just .239\/.333\/.367, slightly below average in terms of wRC+ and OPS+, but still serviceable if you\u2019re thinking of him as a veteran bench piece heading into 2026. The Cubs\u2019 bench was abysmal last year and adding someone like the former 2013 NL MVP could, again, not only provide another veteran leader but also bolster the outfield depth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling McCutchen from the Pirates
\n\"AndrewAug 23, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a two run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

McCutchen, by all accounts, wants to remain with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the new-look Pirates, apparently, aren\u2019t burning with desire to re-sign him. The mega-veteran has played the vast majority of his games recently at DH (120 in 2025, 113 in 2024), but he insists that he can still go out and play the field.<\/p>\n

He even felt the need to recently jump on social media to defend his ability to still play defense<\/a> against public statements claiming otherwise:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is really funny how so many ppl say I \u2018Can\u2019t(key word) play defense.\u2019 I haven\u2019t played much defense because they haven\u2019t asked that of me. The only reason I played a few games last year is because Reynolds needed rest from a minor injury and I ASKED to play defense to get in the lineup. No one said anything then? Bottom line is if it is needed, I can not only do it, but do it like I\u2019ve been out there all year. So stop creating false narratives and take your wives or GFs out to dinner and get off the coat tails of other men. That\u2019s weird energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

McCutchen has played the last three seasons on $5 million-per-season deals. His price will likely drop a bit heading into 2026 after a season where he hit .239.<\/p>\n

On the Cubs, he\u2019ll get his wish to play the field again, albeit as a backup and\/or emergency fill-in. He might also be able to return to postseason play for the first time since 2018, when he was with the Yankees.<\/p>\n

Clearly, at 39, his best days are well behind him and the Cubs will be in trouble if he has to start more than a handful of games in the outfield in 2026. But he\u2019s still got some pop from the right side of the plate and he has a wealth of experience, as well as a reputation as a great clubhouse presence. Why not grab him from an indifferent Pirates team?<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Cubs sign former World Series Champion to minor league contract
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