Cubs Acquire Pitcher; Jed Hoyer Urged to Sign Top Hitter
The Chicago Cubs are at a pivotal moment as they aim to bolster their roster in the upcoming offseason. Following their recent acquisition of pitcher Edward Cabrera, the team’s management, particularly Jed Hoyer, is under pressure to sign a top free-agent hitter. A significant gap has emerged after Kyle Tucker’s departure, leaving the Cubs in search of a reliable bat to enhance their offensive lineup for 2026.
Cubs’ Free-Agent Targets
As the Cubs evaluate their options, four standout free-agent hitters are at the forefront of discussions. Each player brings unique strengths and weaknesses, making them viable candidates for the Cubs. Here’s a breakdown of each player:
1. Cody Bellinger
- Pros: Bellinger is familiar with the Cubs and has a strong rapport with the fanbase. He won a Silver Slugger award in 2023 and received votes for the MVP award.
- Cons: His performance declined in 2024, and he struggled with injuries, missing 32 games during both seasons with the Cubs.
2. Bo Bichette
- Pros: At just 28 years old, Bichette had an impressive comeback season with the Blue Jays in 2025, highlighted by a .348 batting average in the World Series.
- Cons: Bichette would need to shift to third base, a position he has never played in the pros, given Dansby Swanson’s presence at shortstop.
3. Alex Bregman
- Pros: The Cubs showed interest last year but lost out to the Red Sox. Bregman won a Gold Glove in 2024 and is recognized for his defensive skills.
- Cons: At 32, he is the oldest candidate and likely seeking a long-term contract, which could pose a risk for the Cubs.
4. Kyle Tucker
- Pros: Tucker is familiar with Wrigley Field, although he didn’t garner the fan favorite status during his time with the Cubs.
- Cons: He has faced significant injury issues over the past two years and may seek a longer contract than the Cubs might prefer.
Financial Considerations for the Cubs
Despite Cabrera’s projected arbitration cost of approximately $3.7 million, the Cubs are positioned well financially. They remain about $35 million under the luxury tax threshold. As the third-most populous city in the U.S., Chicago has expectations for the Cubs to elevate their spending and competitiveness.
The Cubs have typically operated with a mid-market mentality, fielding a top-10 Opening Day payroll just once since the pandemic, specifically in 2024. Therefore, this offseason represents a crucial opportunity for the Cubs to invest in their roster and secure the talent necessary for future success.
Among the potential signings, Bichette appears to be a standout choice due to his age and potential longevity with the team. As the Cubs strategize their next moves, securing one of these hitters is set to be high on their agenda this offseason.
