According to Jeff Passan, Roki Sasaki is deciding between the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays. Missing from that list, the Chicago Cubs. For an organization that refuses to spend top dollar on players, acquiring cost effective players with elite talent, like Sasaki, is a must. The Cubs did not even make the final three on Sasaki's list. So, what's next?
Fangraphs reports the Cubs are still approximately $43 million under the first luxury tax threshold. This team still needs significant upgrades, and they have the money for those. With the additions of Colin Rea and Matthew Boyd, it feels as if the Cubs are done adding to their starting rotation. However, there are still some players available that would really improve the Cubs chances of winning the Central in '25.
Tanner Scott should be at the top of the list. He would be expensive for a reliever; but again, the Cubs have the money! Getting an all-star caliber closer like Scott would allow guys like Porter Hoge, Eli Morgan, and possibly Ben Brown to become bridge guys instead of options for the 9th inning. They still have Julian Merryweather, Nate Pearson, and Tyson Miller in the pen as options for potential late inning appearances as well. Bringing in Scott would certainly be a needle moving acquisition, even if Jed has historically avoided big deals to relief pitchers.
Another player that would really improve the Cubs roster is starting pitcher, Jack Flaherty. Flaherty has had an up and down career, in large part due to injuries. However, he is coming off a very good season between the Tigers and Dodgers. Flaherty returned to form last season posting a 3.17 ERA in 28 starts. That production would fit in perfectly between Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga; ultimately forming a very formidable top three in the rotation. Recently, there have been rumors that Flaherty may be willing to accept a shorter-term deal with opt outs, which is something the Cubs have done in the past (i.e.. Cody Bellinger). While it's not likely for the Cubs to add a starting pitcher, there is a very strong argument that adding Flaherty would make as big of an impact as any player available in free agency.
How about Pete Alonso? Admittedly, this does not seem likely, but let's talk it out. For this to work, Michael Busch would have to be able to play third base. There are legitimate reasons to believe he may not be able to do so, defensively. However, if he can, this would allow the Cubs to maximize their offensive firepower. Think of a lineup with
Happ LF
Suzuki DH
Tucker RF
Alonso 1B
Busch 3B
Hoerner 2B
Swanson SS
Amaya C
PCA CF
Lineup looks solid on paper. Alonso would definitely bring some power and create a difficult path for pitchers to navigate through the middle of the order. It doesn't appear that Alonso's market has developed as he hoped, so the Cubs may be able to get him on an affordable, short-term deal as well. More of an out of the box thought than anything, but something that could be fun!
Sasaki was the easy answer here. Cheap, elite upside, and young, but he is no longer an option. The hope would be that the Cubs still put as much talent as possible on the opening day roster. The players above would certainly help with that. Now, we watch and wait.
