The Chicago Cubs that were desperately trying to get rid of the foundation of the 2016 World Series championship are long gone.
These Cubs want to compete and are not afraid to spend to do that.
Last year, they brought in Marcus Stroman, Seiya Suzuki, and other high-priced players.
This time, they are keeping a similar mindset: the goal is to bring in impact players, no matter the cost.
The Cubs are reportedly focusing on the shortstop market and could even entertain the possibility of signing two of the three star shortstops remaining.
“The Cubs’ interest in the free-agent shortstop market has been no secret, but according to a source, there is a scenario in which Chicago could sign two of the three remaining star shortstops, likely Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand tweeted.
The Cubs' interest in the free-agent shortstop market has been no secret, but according to a source, there is a scenario in which Chicago could sign two of the three remaining star shortstops, likely Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 6, 2022
Trea Turner has already signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, so three top shortstops remain.
Will Bogaerts Be Willing To Switch Positions?
According to Feinsand, this strategy was used by another team just a year ago and can now be applied by the Cubs, if they can stomach the financial implications of those moves.
“In this scenario, the Cubs would be taking a page out of the Rangers’ book from last offseason, when Texas signed both Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Signing both Bogaerts and Swanson would likely hinge upon convincing Bogaerts to move to third base,” he wrote.
Bogaerts is a phenomenal hitter but wasn’t seen as a top defender until this year.
In 2022, he went from -5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -9 Outs Above Average (OAA) to 4 and 5, respectively.
Convincing him to move to third won’t be easy.
If it happens, the Cubs would have the underrated Swanson at short, Bogaerts at third, and the up-and-coming Nico Hoerner moved to second base.
That would be a fantastic infield.
NEXT: Cubs Fan Points Out Interesting Xander Bogaerts Fact