3 offseason moves Cubs can make to build around Willson Contreras

Cubs should sign Starling Marte

I’m going to sound like a broken record, but the Cubs need more depth at several key positions, including in the outfield. Chicago starts Ian Happ in left, Rafael Ortega in center and Jason Heyward in right. Surely, they would have room for something like Marte, who is capable at all three outfield slots.

Happ has shown a nice resurgence of sorts since the deadline, and Ortega is an intriguing name. Meanwhile, Heyward’s albatross of a contract is holding the Cubs back.

Marte is hitting .305 with moderate power, and can be a run-producer when called upon. He also has plenty of speed left in those legs, and is a constant threat on the basepaths. He’s the kind of player David Ross would love to employ in key situations, towards the top of the lineup.

The Marlins offered Marte a lackluster extension before eventually trading him to Oakland. In all likelihood, the A’s view him as a rental, so the Cubs should have every opportunity to add him this Winter, should they follow my advice.