Three potential offseason targets for the Chicago Cubs

All has not gone according to plan on the north side of Chicago, but the Cubs still find themselves in contention for a wild-card spot, a feat that almost feels like a disappointment given how winnable the NL Central appeared to be. With the right offseason additions, the Cubs could be primed to be a favorite in the division next year.

Kyle Higashioka, C, New York Yankees

Chicago took a gamble last offseason that they were prepared to replace Willson Contreras's production (and leadership) behind the plate. The results they've received from Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya haven't been poor, but there's reason to think the club could stand to improve their catching corps. Manager David Ross was a catcher himself, so it's safe to assume he wants a strong game-caller in the lineup. 

Higashioka is in a tricky position. He's popular in the Yankees clubhouse and has been a fixture on the roster dating back to 2017. He held down the club's starting catching duties most of the season, following Jose Trevino's injury, but Trevino is expected back at full health next spring. New York also seems to like Austin Wells with Anthony Seigler behind him. Higashioka could become a non-tender candidate this winter, if not trade bait, which could make him available for Chicago.  

Josh Bell, 1B, Miami Marlins

First base has been a problem for the Cubs all year. Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini failed as veteran additions before being released. Matt Mervis came in with high expectations, struggled to hit just .167/.242/.289, and found himself back in the minors. Ultimately, the club's best option at first base spent most of the year in center field -- where he's more valuable defensively -- and it remains to be seen if the team and Clay Bellinger will work out a new contract. 

Assuming the Cubs and Bellinger part ways, Chicago will need to address first base and Bell could be the most prudent option. The 31-year-old switch hitter has hit .242/.318/.413 this year in nearly 600 plate appearances, adding 26 doubles and 21 home runs between the Guardians and Marlins. Bell has a $16.5M player option that he could exercise, but that would be a hefty sum for the Marlins to commit to one player. They could look to trade him if he does exercise it. With a limited first base market, Bell could turn it down and seek a multi-year deal. 

Javy Baez, SS, Detroit Tigers

Okay, this one is a wonky fit. There's no denying that. Two of Chicago's best offensive pieces, Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson, fill the two positions that Baez has primarily played. There's also the contract situation to consider: Báez is unlikely to opt-out of his deal which has four years and $98M remaining, meaning the Tigers will need to eat a sizeable portion to make a trade happen. 

Baez has been a massive disappointment since signing with Detroit. Offensively he's been a liability. This year he's managed to hit just .217/.265/.318 and his OPS+ of 60 is among the game's lowest among players with as much playing time as Baez receives. He once thrived with the Cubs, with his personality helping lead the clubhouse, and it's not out of the question to think that returning to a comfortable clubhouse might boost his on-field production.