It’s no secret that the Cubs are reportedly interested in signing a “star” shortstop this offseason. Former Los Angeles Dodger Trea Turner would certainly fit that billing.
With his speed and offensive production at the top of the lineup, Turner would be a huge boost for the Cubs in 2023. Add in his athleticism and ability to play multiple positions (shortstop, second base, and centerfield), and the two-time All-Star would be an MVP candidate lock next season.
But I’m not sure if I’m buying the idea of Turner playing in a Cubs uniform next season. Yes, Turner has said in the past that he would consider the Cubs an option if there was a clear plan for the Cubs’ future. But I believe the Cubs are going to look at one of the other star shortstop options, ie Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson, and Xander Bogarts.
Maybe it’s just a hunch, but I think Trea Turner will be playing somewhere else in 2023. With that being said, I would not be one bit upset if Turner is playing his home games at Wrigley Field in 2023.
Aaron Judge on the North Side?
Anytime you hear the name “Aaron Judge” linked to your team this offseason, you’re going to listen, right? The Chicago Cubs are rumored to be a long shot for the American League home run champion. But if he were to sign in Chicago, what would the price be?
Coming off one of the greatest offensive seasons in the history of baseball, Judge should be on the call list for just about every team this offseason. For most teams, there’s no chance they’ll even come close to signing the AL MVP frontrunner, but the least they could do is call and see what the asking price is.
David Kaplan believes the Cubs would be interested in Judge on a five-year deal. and if that’s the case, what’s the average annual value? $40 million? $50 million?
Judge will enter his age-31 season in 2023, so the Cubs’ front office would have to be convinced that the next few seasons WILL be contending years if they decide to pull the trigger on Judge.
A 62-home run campaign is outstanding, but can he stay healthy for the next few seasons and put up similar numbers? Of course, he’s probably not going to duplicate his 2022 numbers, but at $40-50 million a year for Judge, you can bet fans are going to want more home runs, and a lot of them.
Would I be upset if the Cubs signed Aaron Judge this offseason? Of course not, but the price has to be right, and it has to fit with the plan going forward.
Jacob deGrom in Cubs’ Pinstripes?
Most signs point to Jacob deGrom opting out of his contract with the New York Mets after the World Series and hitting the free agent market. If that’s the case, I hope Jed Hoyer and co. wine and dine deGrom as many times as it takes to get the fireballer in Chicago.
Kaplan believes the Cubs would be interested in deGrom on a three-year deal. If that’s the case, I would predict a similar AAV to Judge.
deGrom has mentioned in the past that money might not be a deciding factor on where he signs, but instead, comfortability. I think a challenge for Hoyer in negotiating with deGrom would be his ability to convince him that the Cubs will be contenders in 2023 and beyond. On the flip side, Hoyer and the front office would need to be convinced that the two-time Cy Young Award winner is completely healthy and stable before offering any kind of large contract.
I hope the Cubs pursue Jacob deGrom hard this offseason. Yes, he’s had his injury problems in the past. But when he’s healthy, he is the best pitcher on the planet.
Maybe a move to Chicago is just what his body needs to rejuvenate. Maybe a new home at Wrigley Field is exactly what he needs to kickstart another Cy Young season. Maybe a new set of pinstripes is just what he needs to push the Chicago Cubs into playoff contention in 2023.