Chicago Cubs’ likely free agent finale may drive fans crazy

One of the negatives of the deal, however, is that the removal of Caissie from the picture now thins out the outfield depth considerably while also removing a bat from the lineup with plus-power potential.

It was believed that Caissie would help fill the void left by outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker. Along with Seiya Suzuki, the 23-year-old was expected to man the corner outfield spot and take some at bats as a designated hitter as well.

After Wednesday’s trade, the plan still seems to be Suzuki in right, but, now, without significant support or backup. The Japanese star, who had a career offensive year in 2025, performed well in right field late last season and into the playoffs as Tucker was hobbled by injury. His glove, though, has always been doubted and he’s already been bumped to DH twice as a Cub by right fielders with greater defensive prowess (Cody Bellinger in 2024 and Kyle Tucker in 2025).

So, while buzz circulates regarding Chicago’s pursuit of free agent infielders Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, the more directly urgent need would appear to be an outfielder with a quality glove and an offensive upside.

Interest in Cody Bellinger?

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, who broke the Cabrera trade story, recently reported that, per his sources, the Cubs are legitimately interested in acquiring former Cub Cody Bellinger:

“To be honest, I had a hard time believing it myself, but according to a source, the Cubs do have a legitimate interest in re-signing Cody Bellinger this offseason. And, hey, they’ve done it twice before! Perhaps they’ll go for the trifecta this winter.”

On paper, Bellinger back to the Cubs certainly wouldn’t be the dumbest of moves.

The 30-year-old could move right back to right field and provide an instant defensive upgrade over Suzuki. He can play all three outfield positions well, thereby allowing the team to actually rest Pete Crow-Armstrong (and Ian Happ) this coming season. He can also play first base, spelling Michael Busch, especially against lefties who he hits exceedingly well, despite him being a left-handed hitter. Bellinger was also a popular player in Chicago who has never stopped praising the fans and organization following his two years with the team.

It makes sense– on paper.

But, realistically, there’s not a lot there.

A realistic Cubs plan

Last offseason, the Cubs salary-dumped Bellinger in a trade with the Yankees for the since-released Cody Poteet. Contract projections currently put him at $140 million over 5 years, which would make him an uncomfortable purchase for the frugal Cubs ownership. He’s not likely to take a short-term deal like he did twice before with the Cubs and the asking price may actually go up as teams compete for his services.

The chance of re-acquiring Bellinger, though, may be greater than re-acquiring the more expensive Tucker, who appears to be completely off the board at this point.

The more likely– but infinitely less fan-friendly– move for the Cubs would be to sign a fourth outfielder-type to play backup to Suzuki and the other two outfield starters.

There are still lots of free agents on the market who might fit that bill. Names such as Harrison Bader, Max Kepler, Miguel Andujar, Starling Marte, and Randal Grichuk bring their own varying risk vs. reward dynamics– at a much lower price point than both Bellinger and Tucker.

Given the Cubs’ recent spending history and their current roster outlook, this fourth outfielder route may be much more realistic than them moving on a big-ticket, long-contract infielder for the third base gig.

Fans would love for the team to open up the bank book and spend freely in pursuit of a linchpin bat for the lineup, but that just may not be in the cards. So, expect the Cubs’ final noteworthy free agent acquisition to be frustratingly anticlimactic.

But, as is always the case, time will tell.