One thing I think everyone here agrees on \u2014 and we don\u2019t all agree on much! \u2014 is that the Cubs ought to sign one of the top free-agent hitters this offseason.<\/p>\n
In my view, now that the team has traded for a cost-controlled starting pitcher \u2014 and potentially a very good one in Edward Cabrera \u2014 it\u2019s time to spend the big bucks on one of the top free-agent hitters. The Cubs need a bat to replace Kyle Tucker, who departed as a free agent.<\/p>\n
There are four such players, and any one of them would be a big help to the 2026 Cubs offense. Let\u2019s take a look at each, in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n
PROS: He\u2019s familiar with the Cubs organization and Wrigley Field and is popular with the fanbase. He had a terrific season for the team in 2023, winning a Silver Slugger award and getting some downballot MVP votes. He had another solid season for the Yankees in 2025.<\/p>\n
CONS: He didn\u2019t have such a good season for the Cubs in 2024. He missed 32 games in each of his two Cubs seasons with injuries. His numbers at Yankee Stadium were excellent in 2025, not so good on the road, so maybe Wrigley Field isn\u2019t that well suited for him.<\/p>\n
PROS: He turns 28 in March, so is the youngest of this group. Came back from a 2024 injury to have a solid season for the Blue Jays in 2025 and hit .348\/.444\/.478 in the World Series<\/p>\n
CONS: He\u2019d be asked to play third base for the Cubs, as they already have Dansby Swanson at Bichette\u2019s usual position of shortstop. He probably could do so, but has never played a professional game at third base.<\/p>\n
PROS: The Cubs were after him last year and were outbid by the Red Sox, so clearly there\u2019s mutual interest. He won a Gold Glove in 2024 and is a solid defender at third base. He\u2019s seen as a good clubhouse presence.<\/p>\n
CONS: He\u2019s the oldest of this group as he turns 32 in March, so a short-term deal would be better for the team, though Bregman is looking for a longer-term contract. Such a deal would risk poor performance in the later years of any such contract.<\/p>\n
PROS: Like Bellinger, he\u2019s familiar with the Cubs and Wrigley Field, though unlike Bellinger, he didn\u2019t turn into a fan favorite in his one year with the team. He turns 29 next week, so he\u2019s still relatively young.<\/p>\n
CONS: Tucker has missed significant time each of the last two years with injuries. He\u2019s probably looking for a deal much longer than the Cubs are willing to give.<\/p>\n