For the Chicago Cubs, the start of the offseason has not been memorable. Simply put, the Cubs have done nothing to improve their roster since losing Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani.
With Cody Bellinger likely walking, Marcus Stroman leaving, and Jeimer Candelario signing with the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago will need to fill three significant positions by 2024.
The offseason prognosis for Jed Hoyer has been intriguing, but this may be precisely what the Cubs front management requested.
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the club never shown interest in re-signing Candelario, who was purchased from the Washington Nationals in the middle of the 2023 season.
“The Cubs have expressed no interest in re-signing, the switch-hitter acquired at the trade deadline this year who signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.” The Cubs can search for more impact or shorter-term commitments at Candelario’s primary positions, third base and first base.”
Given the obvious need at third base, the Cubs’ lack of interest in Candelario is unexpected. sliced the 30-year-old switch hitter.In 2023, he’ll hit 251/.336/.471 with 22 home homers for Washington and Chicago. He failed in Chicago, but a tiny sample size doesn’t diminish what he’s accomplished in his career.
At this time, there is no indication that Matt Shaw will start on Opening Day. Matt Chapman and others are on the market, but it’s unclear how much the front office is ready to pay on someone like Chapman.
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