The Chicago Cubs Pursue Superstar Free Agent Shohei Ohtani
The Chicago Cubs are currently engaged in a serious pursuit of superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani, according to a recent report. It appears that Ohtani’s market may ultimately come down to the Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Primary Focus on Ohtani
Given the magnitude of signing Ohtani, it is clear that he is the primary focus for the Cubs at the moment. There is a growing expectation that Ohtani will make his decision before the Winter Meetings in two weeks, which will likely signal the true start of the off-season for the Cubs.
Potential Major Trade
Regardless of whether or not the Cubs are able to sign Ohtani, there is a belief within the organization that a major trade will take place this off-season. Patrick Mooney, in his latest piece for The Athletic, reports that there is an internal belief among players and within the front office that more trades are on the horizon.
Trade Market Focus
The trade market focus for the Cubs is currently on New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto. It appears that there is more certainty surrounding Soto being traded this off-season, making him a more worthwhile trade target for the Cubs compared to Alonso.
Soto: A Generational Talent
While Alonso is a prolific slugger that the Cubs have been missing in their lineup for the past two and a half seasons, Soto is considered a generational talent. If the choice is between one season of Alonso or one season of Soto with the hope of improving the chances of a contract extension, Soto is the clear answer due to his age and the transformative impact he would have on the team’s lineup.
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