Chris
The Chicago Cubs’ silence has been deafening so far in this year’s free agency market.
After back-to-back 83-win seasons, one would think that the Cubs would be desperate to improve their roster to make a long-awaited postseason chase. However, rumors of a tightening budget have loomed large as Chicago has hardly been mentioned as a destination for any top free agents.
Though they might not be willing to break the bank, the Cubs have certainly got to do something in order to compete for a division title in a wide-open National League Central this season. Plus, they could feasibly upgrade either their lineup or starting rotation if the price is right.
Will Leitch of MLB.com believes Chicago will go the rotation route. Leitch recently predicted that the Cubs would pry left-hander Sean Manaea away from the New York Mets in free agency.
“Don’t rule out a return to the Mets, who still have some rotation spots to fill, after all,” Leitch said. “But the Cubs need pitching, so badly that they’re considering trading Cody Bellinger to get some, and Manaea would be an upgrade over what they currently have.”
“He also would show that Cubs management is serious about pushing this team back to October for the first time since 2020.”
Manaea, 32, endeared himself to Mets fans quickly and continued to improve on the way to the playoffs. He ended the year with a 12-6 record and 3.47 ERA and also made a crucial mechanical change, dropping his arm slot to mimic Cy Young winner Chris Sale.
Recently, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report projected a five-year, $90 million contract for Manaea, which may even be an underestimate based on the $218 million deal fellow lefty Max Fried got from the New York Yankees.
It wouldn’t be a massive expenditure for the Cubs, but at least getting Manaea would prove that Chicago is still willing to keep pushing. The NL Central could be theirs for the taking, but they’ve got to get a move on.
