The Chicago Cubs aren't a playoff team this year, but they could be next year.
Chicago has some very solid pieces in place, and one of the best managers in baseball in Craig Counsell. The Cubs clearly aren't rebuilding and, instead, likely will look to add at least one star this winter in free agency or through the trade market.
The Cubs already have been linked to a handful of possible options, with the first base position being one that could be upgraded this winter. Because of this, USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale said Chicago could be the landing spot of New York Mets superstar slugger Pete Alonso.
"If All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso doesn’t return to the Mets, rival executives believe he will wind up in Seattle or with the Cubs," Nightengale said.
Alonso is one of the best sluggers in baseball and would take the Cubs' offense to another level. Chicago has been a part of this song and dance for two years now. It seemed like Alonso would be traded in 2023, but the Mets hung on to him. At that point, Chicago was brought up as a landing spot on multiple occasions.
Clearly, the Mets didn't trade him. But the connection didn't stop there. There were more trade rumors last winter and ahead of the trade deadline this summer. In both cases, the Cubs were mentioned as a landing spot again for Alonso, but he wasn't moved.
Alonso will be a free agent this winter and is projected to receive a $242 million contract. Chicago should be in the mix.
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