Cubs rumors: Who could potentially replace Cody Belinger?
Assuming Cody Bellinger leaves Chicago for greener grass this offseason, who are some potential replacement for the star slugger?
MLB Trade Rumors' Tim Dierkes hypothesized that Bellinger could price himself out of the Cubs in the winter, at which point Chicago would have a handful of options moving forward. They could roll with rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong, who went hitless in his first major league start in 2023 but could make up for his lack of offense with his elite defense.
If the Cubs want to lean toward the offensive side and try to replace Bellinger's bat, the club could extend Jeimer Candelario (a safe pick) or go after Rhys Hoskins or Brandon Belt in free agency.
Then, of course, there are the marquee names: Pete Alonso and Juan Soto. Trades for these stars would require the Cubs to give up valuable starters, yet if Chicago can pull off a trade for one of the two while keeping PCA, the Cubs may benefit immediately and start paving their way to next year's postseason.
Cubs rumors: Japanese free agent Yuki Matsui has landed on team's radar
What is Jed Hoyer up to this winter? One item on his checklist could be getting more bullpen help, and Japanese free agent Yuki Matsui is reportedly on his radar.
Bruce Levine reported on 670 The Score: "The other name that you're hearing for the Chicago Cubs: Japanese pitcher Yuki Matsui, a left-handed bullpen pitcher (with) 200 saves in Japan."
Matsui has spent a decade in Japan making a name for himself as a decent southpaw; he recorded a 1.57 ERA in 59 games last season and a career-high 39 saves.
He has over 200 saves overseas and is set to enter free agency this winter, projected to command a multi-year contract worth anywhere from $10 to $12 million in average annual value.
The Cubs are in dire need of reliable relievers for 2024 and could get a good deal on Matsui, who would serve as a cheaper option compared to, say, Padres' Josh Hader. Whether they sign Matsui or not, expect the Cubs to make key additions to their relief corps this offseason.
Cubs rumors: Kyle Hendricks could get an extension soon
Also according to Levine, the Cubs and Kyle Hendricks are reportedly working toward an extension this month. The tentative deadline is Hendricks' option date, which will come five days after the end of the World Series.
Currently, no details of the deal have been released.
Bleacher Nation's Brett Taylor proposed that the sides could look at a two- or three-year deal, and the second year would pay him more than the $16.5 million he was already going to get if the club picked up his option.
Following a decade of experience in Chicago, Hendricks provides a steady veteran presence who can help the youngsters on the team develop and get more consistent starts. The pitcher is entering his age-34 season and has suffered from debilitating injuries. However, as Taylor writes, a two-year, $24 million deal could be realistic: the Cubs get to shell out less annually, and Hendricks guarantees himself an extra $7.5 million in case of injury.
Hendricks recorded a 3.74 ERA in 24 starts this past season.
