TRADE NEWS: One of the Cubs’ main players, Ben Brown, was let go in order to sign J.D. Martinez, although there are restrictions because of his….

The Cubs are considering a number of choices for their DH in 2024, with rookie slugger Christopher Morel emerging as the most promising internal possibility at this time. However, if recently appointed manager Craig Counsell chooses to start Morel at third base for the most of the season—as he should—the Cubs might lose out on acquiring Hoskins. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to add Martinez as an above-average bat for the next season.

For the past ten years, Martinez has been among the finest hitters in the league. The six-time All-Star has averaged 29 home runs, 32 doubles, 49 walks, 88 RBIs, a.293 batting average, and a.908 OPS per season since redefining himself when he joined with the Detroit Tigers in 2014.

Of course, I wouldn’t blow my whole savings on a 36-year-old player who would mainly play designated hitter. However, a $15 million, one-year contract with a club option wouldn’t be a bad one.

Martinez is a master at hitting. If the Cubs go this path, they would also be adding an additional hitting coach because this guy lives, breathes, and plays hitting. Martinez would offer team staples Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson wise counsel as well as aid in the growth of Morel and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

I continue to believe that Jed Hyer will re-sign Bellinger shortly, ideally before the Cubs Convention, but if they intend to make the playoffs in 2024, they’ll need extra firepower. Martinez as the DH in a Cubs lineup would be interesting.

Hopefully, something will happen soon, or otherwise Saturday night’s loudest cheer during Cubs Convention weekend would come from someone winning a BINGO.

In terms of actually moving deals through to completion, the Cubs have been the least active team in MLB this winter. Except for catcher Brian Serven, who they acquired off waivers from the Rockies last week, the Cubs haven’t added any players to their roster despite being linked to a long list of free agents and potential trade targets.

Currently, Hayden Wesneski, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, Javier Assad, and veteran Drew Smyly are among the young arms competing for starts in Chicago’s rotation along with Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and Jameson Taillon. Although this is a pretty strong squad, the Cubs will probably have to make a move to replace Marcus Stroman, who is leaving.