Chicago Cubs: 2 sluggers tied to Cubs’ overlooked lineup needs

The Chicago Cubs are heading into the offseason with a clear primary need. By all accounts, including that of team president Jed Hoyer, the focus will be on pitching.

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And of course it will. The focus pretty much has to be on pitching. The entire end-of-season starting rotation could potentially walk away via free agency and about a third of the bullpen as well. Much of the remainder of the pitching staff is riddled with question marks and serious doubts.

But the Cubs also can’t ignore their position player needs.

Corner outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ will be eligible for free agency, as well as catcher Carson Kelly. Veteran outfielders Michael Conforto and Tyrone Taylor will also become free agents at the official end of the 2026 season.

Suzuki, especially, will be a tough bat to replace in what will amount to a weak free agent class.

So, that’s why the front office needs to be creative, finding ways to replace the outgoing veterans without the offense taking too much of a hit.

A Yankees slugger to the Cubs?

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One name tossed out by Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib comes out of the blue, but actually makes sense—Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

The 39-year-old was signed to a one-year, $4 million contract last offseason and has already said that he doesn’t plan on retiring. The 16-year veteran earned his keep last season as a right-handed bat and platoon asset, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 52 runs while also playing a very capable first base.

His value for the Cubs would be as a lefty-mashing bat—slashing .299/.393/.573 with 11 homers against southpaws—who could take first from Michael Busch against tough southpaws and then, possibly, work as a DH the other days.

Adding Goldschmidt would help offset some of the offense lost from the absence of Suzuki, Happ, and Kelly while also fortifying the first base position where Busch is currently all alone after a letdown of a 2026 campaign. He will also likely come on a bargain of a one-year deal.

Adding a veteran slugger would take some of pressure to produce off the trio of Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramirez, and Kevin Alcantara, who will probably be asked to fill the two vacant corner outfield spots.

Bryce Harper

The other veteran position player recently getting some Cubs-related attention is Bryce Harper.

With the Philadelphia Phillies’ early exist from the playoffs, rumors have the team looking to unload some of their pricey veteran talent ahead of a soft rebuild.

Unlike taking on Goldschmidt, the Cubs would have to navigate some serious obstacles if they wanted to bring the 33-year-old aboard.

First, Harper has a full no-trade clause in his contract and he’d have to sign off on any such deal. Second, the Cubs would have to be willing to take on the remaining five years of his 13-year, $330 million contract at an average yearly cost of just over $25 million.

Then, of course, there would be the trade price involved in getting someone of Harper’s ability and track record. The Cubs would have to part with at least a couple of their top prospects and/or a young major league asset like Matt Shaw.

But if all the pieces fell into place, who wouldn’t want Harper somewhere in the mix among Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, and the other offensive assets?

It’ll be interesting to see how Chicago addresses their offensive needs this offseason while also working on their pitching needs.

The post Chicago Cubs: 2 sluggers tied to Cubs’ overlooked lineup needs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-bryce-harper-paul-goldschmidt-free-agent-2027-targets/