The Chicago Cubs had a chance to clean house at the MLB trade deadline. Instead, Dansby Swanson and the team's veteran core led Chicago on a win streak, seemingly forcing Jed Hoyer and the front office to stick with their players in hopes of a postseason run.
At the time, that sounded like a decent plan. Chicago was on pace to make the playoffs as an NL Wild Card team, and frankly looked to be in good position up until the final week of the season. Then, a brutal late-season collapse doomed David Ross's club to the point of no return.
A complicated offseason lays ahead, and the Cubs do not have control of their own destiny. Several top free agents like Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman can opt out of their deals. If Chicago preferred, they could completely clean house, but committing to another retooling of sorts could alienate the fanbase.
Sometimes what is best for the organization isn't ideal for the on-field product.
Cubs will lose Cody Bellinger, there's no doubt about it
Cody Bellinger discussed his Cubs career in the past tense over the weekend, making it all the more clear that he intends to opt out of his contract and test free agency. While he could always re-sign in Chicago, it's tough to see Hoyer spending close to $180 million or $200 million for a player like Bellinger, when he could instead spread that money around.
"I really tried to enjoy these last few weeks. Obviously, there is no prediction of the future. Playing for the Cubs organization and Wrigley Field was really special," Bellinger said. Yikes.
Bellinger put up NL MVP-like numbers (in most years) for Chicago, and his return to glory should be noted given his recent struggles in Los Angeles. The Cubs took a chance on him, and he delivered. Yet, this was always the risk. Bellinger was asked to prove it in his contract, and he did. Now, the Boras client can test the free-agent waters.
Cubs will lose Michael Fulmer this offseason
Michael Fulmer will not serve as a tremendous loss for Chicago this offseason, but the longtime relief pitcher could have been flipped at the trade deadline for prospects. Instead, the Cubs held onto him, and he finished the season with an ERA well over four. Those numbers were better at the trade deadline, which makes the choice to keep Fulmer all the more frustrating.
Prior to the season, Fulmer had a chance to be the Cubs closer, but ultimately ended up in a middle relief role.
"They were one of the first teams to contact me," Fulmer said last March. "Before any dollar figures were exchanged or anything like that, they were saying, 'Look, this is what we think you can work on. Whether you sign here or not, we think you can benefit by throwing this pitch or something with this shape. Obviously, our interest level is high. We'd love to have you. But even if things don't work out, this is how we think you can get better.'"
Chicago signed Fulmer to a short-term deal and did not reap the benefits. Now, they will likely watch him walk out the door and sign with another contender on a similar prove-it contract.
Marcus Stroman is on the way out for the Cubs
At one time, Marcus Stroman was the hottest pitching commodity on the trade market. Then, Stroman suffered some injury setbacks, and Chicago missed its chance. Stroman has a player option this offseason and could very well use it. Were he to opt out, he'd become one of the more well-known starting pitchers on the market, though there are plenty to choose from this offseason.
Still, Stroman's numbers suggest he could make more in free agency. If he's about the money -- and it'd be tough to blame him -- Stroman will opt out. The Cubs hurler loves pitching in Chicago and is open to a return, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that could happen. If Stroman opts out, the Cubs should pursue an extension with him, per FanSided's Luke Norris. It may just be the push they need.
"But after some dreadful performances in July, which raised his ERA by more than a point, Stroman then missed more than a month of action with a rib injury. And he didn't pitch particularly well when he returned, posting a 5.63 ERA in four September appearances...Despite Stroman expressing his desire to remain in the Windy City, the Cubs have said that there are no plans to give him an extension."
I am of the mindset that Stroman will pursue financial security, but there's no guarantee after a second half full of struggles and injuries.
Jeimer Candelario makes some sense for the Cubs beyond this season
The Cubs have a bit of a logjam on the infield, and if they can afford to bring back Jeimer Candelario on a cheap rate, it makes some sense to keep him. Were Cody Bellinger to leave, Candelario could play first base for Chicago in 2024.
As MLB Trade Rumors noted upon his return from injury, Candelario revived his season in the Windy City. What's the point in letting him head elsewhere when he can serve as a far cheaper Bellinger replacement?
"At the time of the trade, Candelario was slashing an impressive .258/.342/.481 in 419 trips to the plate with 30 doubles and 16 homers. He got off to a hot start in Chicago with a .305/.370/.524 slash line in his first 92 trips to the plate with the club, though he entered a brutal slump for his final 13 games prior to hitting the shelf with a .083/.227/.278 line across 44 trips to the plate. Adding the bat Candelario flashed at the start of his time with the Cubs this year, or even the production from his stint with the Nationals earlier this year, would provide a huge boost to a Cubs lineup," MLBTR's Nick Deeds wrote at the time.
It's that kind of power and plate presence that this Cubs lineup needs at a consistent rate. Why mess with a good thing, especially if it's affordable?