After thinking they had built a roster that would compete in the NL West and earn themselves a spot in the playoffs, they are going to be watching fall baseball for the third year in a row.Last offseason's high-profile signing, Matt Chapman,that will keep the elite defending and solid hitter at third base for the foreseeable future. Young players like Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald look to be future cornerstones of this roster.
The former MVP and 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year would bring defensive versatility across the outfield and at first base, something that is sorely needed. He would also be one of the best hitters in their lineup, an area that really needs to be boosted before 2025. Whether or not he was at the top of their target board this time around is unknown, but it sounds like he is no longer going to be available on the open market, with the expectation being he will opt-into his player option with his current team.
"Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, who’s in the first year of a three-year, $80 million contract, is fully expected to remain with the Cubs instead of opting out of his contract. He’ll be paid $27.5 million next year," reports MLB insiderOutfielders aren't necessarily players the front office needs to pursue because of the emergence of Ramos, and Lee expected to return next season, but they really could have used him at first base.