Cubs: Carlos Correa and 3 other monster free agents they could sign

By Tim Boyle | Oct 19, 2022

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after hitting a 2-run home run to left field in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 08, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Minnesota Twins defeated the New York Yankees 4-3. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 18: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox hits and RBI double in the bottom of the first inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on September 18, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

3. Monster Cubs free agent target: Xander Bogaerts

Another likely opt-out candidate comes via the Boston Red Sox. Longtime Red Sox infielder Xander Bogaerts never was able to agree to an extension with the only major league team he has ever known. Now days away from hitting the open market if he does indeed flex the opt-out after a strong showing in the regular season, the Cubs are certainly one of those teams that can sign him.

Correa and Bogaerts match up pretty well with each other. Correa’s upside seems to have more power and run production while Bogaerts has been a little more consistent and healthy in his career. The Cubs can’t really go wrong with either option.

Bogaerts slashed .307/.377/.456 this past season with the batting average and OBP actually outmatching his career totals of .292 and .356. The Cubs would be getting a candidate for the top of the order or someone to plug into the number three spot. He doesn’t have a ton of pop nor should we expect that to change by signing with most teams.

Previous to this past season, one might have thought of Bogaerts as a candidate to move away from shortstop and possibly tackle second base or third base. However, with a career-best 1.2 WAR on defense, maybe he has figured out how to play the position at a greater level.

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