The Chicago Cubs will be an interesting team to watch over the next few months.
Chicago signed manager Craig Counsell ahead of the 2024 season to a historic contract, but the club won't be in the playoffs this year. The Cubs likely will be aggressive this winter after missing the playoffs this year because, clearly, they aren't looking to rebuild. The Cubs didn't sign Counsell to the deal they did with the hopes of contending five years from now.
The Cubs want to win and want to win in the near future. This could lead the club to be active in free agency or the trade market this winter. They need another star, and ESPN's Jorge Castillo listed the Cubs among the top teams that "could make calls" for New York Yankees superstar Juan Soto.
"The Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the other clubs that could make calls," Castillo said. "The (Washington Nationals) would love a reunion, according to people with knowledge of the situation, but it would take ownership allocating more money for Soto than they were previously willing to offer."
Attempting to land Soto certainly would be a bold move. He will be the top free agent this winter, without a doubt. It's not every day that a 25-year-old superstar with the inside track to the Hall of Fame becomes available in free agency. Typically, a player as talented as Soto and as young would have to be acquired through a trade.
Chicago wouldn't have to give up any important pieces to land Soto, but it would have to pay him roughly $500 million at least. No team should be considered likely for Soto aside from the Yankees or even the New York Mets, but the Cubs would be an interesting fit.
More MLB: Cubs called 'interesting' team to watch for $500 million superstar
