As the July 4 holiday comes and goes, baseball still remains in full swing. However, although the middle of the summer, it’s never too early for offseason speculation. In a recent report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, several executives around the league believe the Chicago Cubs will sign shortstop Xander Bogaerts this winter.
Although Carlos Correa has been the big fish Cubs fans want, he is just one of many talents shortstops hitting free agency. In addition, Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson, and Bogaerts will likely be available as well. That said, Correa isn’t coming to the Cubs after making his anti-rebuild intentions known. However, if you’re the Cubs, why not turn to a face that front office is incredibly familiar with?
Jed Hoyer was in Boston when the organization signed Bogaerts as an international free agent in 2009. Naturally, there is plenty of familiarity with what he brings to the table. In addition, Bogaerts appears to fit the mold offensively that the Cubs are building. This season, he is slashing .318/.391/.456 with only six home runs, but 31 RBI. As a matter of fact, Bogaerts is having a season that very much resembles Ian Happ’s 2022 campaign.
The predictions are fun and all, but Bogaerts still needs to opt out of his current contract for the Cubs to have a chance. However, given the state of his contract and he seemingly being underpaid, all signs point to the Aruba native testing the free agency waters this winter.
Despite being a below average defender, the 29-year-old seems to be hitting his prime defensively. This current season is one of the best, if not the best, of Bogaerts’ career. Perhaps the Cubs also believe they can help his defense a bit and have an average defender at least at short.
Is There a Fit?
There is absolutely a fit for Xander Bogaerts and the Cubs. Sure, moving Nico Hoerner out of the shortstop position after his great 2022 so far would be a bummer, but he could slide in at second base very nicely. Having two middle infielders hitting over .300 would be a sight to see. It’s uncertain whether or not the Cubs would add more than just the three-time All-Star or not. However, adding a four-time Silver Slugger to a lineup with Christopher Morel, Seiya Suzuki, Hoerner, and potentially Willson Contreras and Ian Happ looks pretty nice on paper.
In addition, Bogaerts likely won’t cost the most. Although all the aforementioned shortstops will look to cash in, Turner and Correa will likely get more than Bogaerts. If that is the case, the Cubs can spend while still having more money to spend. Specifically, they can spend in other areas where they lack organizational depth.
Nonetheless, Bogaerts is the type of name that is welcomed as an offseason addition entering 2023.
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