I haven't been much encouraged with how the lockout and the negotiations are going. Both sides met two days in a row but based on reports not much happened besides some counter proposals and continued disagreement.
So, right now we're still wrapped in a "never ending" lockout, and while I don't really see Spring Training starting on time, and as disappointing as that may be, the lockout will eventually be over, even if it pushes the season back. And since the lockout will eventually be over, that means the "offseason" will resume, with tons of free agents having limited time to sign with a team.
That may bring advantages and disadvantages all at the same time. There are plenty of teams that have big holes in their roster, and while the Cubs don't have HUGE open spots on their roster, there is still some needs. So, I'm going to discuss a little bit about what the Cubs' plans will be in an offseason that is limited and rushed.
The Question of the Outfield
There are a lot of question marks all over the outfield, as we've discussed before. The Cubs' connection with Suzuki shows that the Cubs aren't done with the outfield yet. Of course, Castellanos and Schwarber still remain, but both are better DH-style players than outfielders.
I do believe that the Cubs will sign an outfielder when the lockout is done. Even with Frazier, Ramirez, Hermosillo, and Ortega all on the verge of having a productive season, none is a guarantee. I'm personally ready to see Ortega struggle in 2022 because the signs of that showed at the end of the 2021 season. Of course, Heyward has been highly unproductive from an offensive standpoint, and I can't really see him being spectacular this season.
At that point, the Cubs would have 7 outfielders, which I would consider to be a little much, perhaps, but if three breakout, the Cubs might consider trading or DFA'ing some of them. I'm not opposed to having seven outfielders if the Cubs can find at least three that can cement themselves there.
Who do I think the Cubs will sign? I say Castellanos. Why? Because I think he is the type of player the Cubs want. He is familiar with the Cubs' system and because he is a DH-style player that makes him more attractive to the Cubs who have plenty of defensive outfield options.
The Bullpen
Lately, some Cubs insiders have indicated that the Cubs are looking for a veteran-bullpen arm that has strikeout stuff. Before they even went on, my mind went to Andrew Chafin, who fits that description to a tee.
I get it. Kimbrel filled that role in 2021, with Chafin helping that along as well. And you know what? The Cubs' bullpen was really good. I completely agree. The Cubs need a good, experienced, veteran bullpen arm who is NOT a bounce-back candidate. Someone who has CONSISTENTLY done well.
The Cubs get Chafin, they get a solid bullpen arm and veteran presence. Done. That's how I would like it to be, but it's not like the Cubs would be the only team after him. Other viable options would be relievers like Jansen, Nelson, Rosenthal, and others. I can see especially Nelson, who had a great 2021 season posting a 1.86 ERA.
So, yeah. I think they'll find a veteran arm, be it Chafin, Nelson, or someone else. My guess is Chafin, but I'm a little biased...
Who Plays Shortstop
Carlos Correa would be really nice, but like I've said with him before, it's no guarantee that the Cubs will sign him. He's asking a LOT of money, and likely a lot of years, so...the Cubs will probably be shopping other shortstops as well.
That includes two shortstops that surfaced lately as possible Cubs targets: Jose Iglesias and Jonathan Villar. I'm not really opposed to either of those, because I feel that the signing of a middle-tier free agent would give Hoerner more chances than with a top-tier free agent like Correa. Between those two, I would prefer Iglesias, both for defensive and the bursts of raking-it offensive.
Iglesias and Hoerner would provide a good duo for shortstop, especially if one is tearing it up, or one is injured, and you still have a decent shortstop to fall back on. They're both different kinds of players, with Hoerner being a Madrigal style player- high contact rates, low strikeout rates, and Iglesias having a little more pop in his bat.
I wouldn't mind trading for Nicky Lopez either, because of his defense and offensive breakout in 2021, but it's hard to envision that trade actually happening. I can see Iglesias most likely, and it's the one I would most prefer.
Do the Cubs have other plans up their sleeve? Surprise additions to third base or the rotation? Actually signing Bryant back? I doubt it, but I can't completely rule it out. These are the known goals for the Cubs, and with the limited amount of offseason when the lockout ends, I can see them making all these deals.
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