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Hey, remember last offseason when there were a few reports that one of the reasons the Cubs didn’t make any big free agent additions was because they were more interested in this year’s free agent class? Anthony Rendon, Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg certainly make a great trio to go after, but the Cubs aren’t pursuing any of the top free agents this offseason either.
The Cubs aren’t even pursuing the middle tier of free agents. They’re even struggling just to approach the lower tier free agents and once again we’re seeing reports that the Cubs aren’t going to be big spenders this offseason. And it’s not like the Cubs need to go after every top-end free agent, but The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Sunday that for the Cubs to sign ANYONE they first have to cut payroll.
Obviously the most talked about player linked to the Cubs so far is Nick Castellanos. But a reunion is happening if and only if the Cubs move money first.
Via The Athletic.
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A reunion with free-agent outfielder Nicholas Castellanos? Not a chance, at least for the moment. Club officials are telling representatives of even low-budget free agents that they need to clear money before engaging in serious negotiations.
And there’s further evidence that suggests the Cubs are choosing not to spend more money this offseason, opting to add talent only after shedding other contracts.
Jon Morosi reported overnight that the Cubs have talked with right-handed starting pitcher Josh Lindblom this offseason. The 32-year-old was the 2019 KBO MVP in Korea, posting a 2.50 ERA and 189 strikeouts in 194.2 innings with the Doosan Bears.
Lindblom has pitched for the Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, A’s and Pirates throughout his career, recording a 4.10 ERA in 147 innings. Most of his MLB playing time came in 2011-12 as a reliever. He’s had two stints playing in Korea, having his most successful stretch the second time around.
Early offseason projections had Lindblom getting only a two-year contract, worth as low as $8 million total and as high as $16 million. Right now, the Cubs can’t afford it.
I guess the Ricketts still have no money left.
