Chicago Cubs: 3 free agents to sign, and 1 to avoid

While injuries did essentially rob Brantley of two prime seasons with the Indians, it’s hard to find a veteran hitter who makes more consistent contact than him. Eschewing the launch angle revolution, Brantley was an All-Star in three straight seasons from 2017 to 2019, and he hit .300 with five home runs over the course of the 2020 season with the Houston Astros. Outfielders that are about to turn 34 normally don’t have a huge market in free agency, but Brantley, who is a solid defender in addition to his skill at the dish, could be one of the rare outliers if the Cubs pounce.

Kyle Schwarber, a DH that is being forced to play the outfield, all-or-nothing power-hitter Ian Happ, and the inconsistent Jason Heyward would be the most likely combination to start in the outfield next season without Brantley. It goes without saying that combination isn’t Murderer’s Row. Brantley wouldn’t take tons of financial coercion to leave Houston and come to Chicago.