The Chicago Cubs are entering quite an important offseason. Last winter, they stole the Milwaukee Brewers manager, Craig Counsell, from the National League division rivals, but in Counsell's first season, the Cubs fell short of the postseason.
Now, they have the winter to build the team of Counsell's dreams, though it may not be with the big name players that many imagined.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale has reported the Cubs won't be landing any of the big free agents that the fans have been raving about.
"Yet, instead of negotiating with any of the marquee free agents, they instead are focusing on the mid-market players. They're probably out on Soto, Burnes, Fried and Snell," Nightengale wrote. "The only thing that could change their plan is if they're able to unload first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. The worst-kept secret at the GM meetings was the Cubs offering Bellinger to anyone and everyone. So far, no team has expressed strong interest."
But, it doesn't seem likely at all that Chicago is able to move Bellinger unless they're willing to eat some of his contract.
"Come on," one GM told Nightengale, "who's going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production."
With Bellinger likely to remain in the Windy City, the Cubs will need to pivot to cheaper options. They could look to boost their bullpen quite a bit this winter while also using the trade market to acquire cheaper players.
Either way, I'd imagine Bellinger will remain a Cub and the top free agents will sign elsewhere.
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