Fansided

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 30
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 09: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals hits a grand slam in the top of the tenth inning to take a 7-3 lead during Game 5 of the NLDS between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 09: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals hits a grand slam in the top of the tenth inning to take a 7-3 lead during Game 5 of the NLDS between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: Howie Kendrick

The Cubs don’t seem likely to have too much cash to burn this offseason, and any moves made to add to the roster will be made around the fringes. The player option in Jason Heyward’s ill-fated eight-year contract seemed like such a good idea at the time! The Cubs couldn’t chase Bryce Harper last winter, and they won’t be able to make offers to Gerrit Cole or Anthony Rendon this year.

Such is life when you’ve spent hundreds of millions of dollars on Heyward and Yu Darvish and are staring down Kris Bryant’s rapidly-approaching date with free agency.

If the Cubs are only going to be able to make minor moves to upgrade their bench depth or bullpen, playoff hero Howie Kendrick should be at the top of their list. The 36-year-old veteran can play second base, first base and left field and is a better hitter than David Bote and Ian Happ.

The 14-year veteran made just $7 million over the last two years in Washington. At this point, Kendrick will be able to pick through offers from multiple contenders and weigh which one gives him the best chance to play or win another ring.

Kendrick is coming off the best season of his career and has hit .325/.373/.516 in 252 games over the last three seasons. He hit .344/.395/.572 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI in 121 games in the regular season and then hit .286/.328/.444 with four doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI in 17 playoff games.

Kendrick is the best available role player on the market, and the Cubs can offer him enough at-bats to pique his interest.

Home/MLB