The Chicago Cubs certainly don't need to stress about the playoffs this year.
The postseason is just about to kick off, and Chicago isn't in it. The Cubs had a well-built roster, but things didn't work out for Chicago this season despite bringing in manager Craig Counsell. The Cubs finished tied for second in the National League Central with an 83-79 record.
Now, it's time for the Cubs to go back to the drawing board. Once the playoffs end, free agency will be here, and that could be an area that Chicago thrives in. The Cubs have money to spend and already have been linked to some top-tier free agents. Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston even said it is a "realistic possibility" that the Cubs could sign New York Mets star Pete Alonso.
"It feels like Pete Alonso has been on his way out of New York for the last two seasons," Beaston said. "Last year, amid a horrendously disappointing season for the Mets, his name was constantly in trade talks, with some expecting him to be dealt in a fire sale at the deadline. That did not happen, and Alonso remained, with the understanding that he would be a free agent after the 2024 season...
"(USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale) reported that the Cubs and (Seattle Mariners) are interested in signing Alonso...The Cubs would be a realistic possibility, and the idea of Alonso joining a Mariners organization that heated up under new hitting coach Edgar Martinez is intriguing, but the odds of Alonso suiting up for another team, giving his sentiments about the Big Apple seems are difficult to fathom."
Alonso is projected to get $242 million in free agency by Spotrac. Could the Cubs afford a deal of that size? It could make a lot of sense. Alonso is that good.
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