The Chicago Cubs offseason hasn't been the one that most expected. With superstar talents on the market, the Cubs haven't been able to land that big-name player.
However, that could change as the club continues to show interest in free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman.
MLB.com reported the following on their interest in the Gold Glover:
"The Cubs have also been linked to free-agent third baseman Matt Chapman as they effort to bulk up their infield. They lost third baseman Jeimer Candelario to the Reds as a free agent."
Chapman, known as an elite defender, is well sought after by other teams, too. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the San Francisco Giants are still "big-game hunting" and have an interest in Chapman.
As the Giants continue to show interest in free agents, it's only a matter of time before they finally land one.
The same can be said about Chicago.
After slashing .240/.330/.424 last season, Chapman is set to get paid. Those numbers were some of his best since 2019, which was when he was named an All-Star with the Oakland Athletics.
The question around him is always going to be about the bat. Defensively, Chapman has four Gold Gloves and two Platinum Gloves. Defense is certainly a valuable tool, and one that the Cubs need and value, but given the contract he's likely to sign, there could be better options out there.
As the team lost Candelario, they'll need to find a way to replace him. Despite the struggles for Candelario in Chicago, he's an above-average hitter who would've figured himself out if they re-signed him.
Chapman would certainly provide a splash, but might not be the best signing for the team long-term.
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