Cubs aren’t close to done after signing Dansby Swanson

The Chicago Cubs are closing in on two more signings just a day after inking their new star shortstop, former Atlanta Brave Dansby Swanson.

Dansby Swanson is the free agent prize that was promised. Jed Hoyer and the Cubs front office finally put their money where their mouth is.

Cubs fans pay for one of the most expensive ballpark experiences in all of baseball, and have had little to show for it since the 2016 team made history, thus ending a 108-year World Series drought. It was a tremendous moment that can and should go down in baseball lore, but it is not enough to make up for the century-plus that preceded it.

Chicago has the means to build a consistent winner. They had one, before trading away the likes of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber and more.

The signing of Swanson, Jameson Taillon and Cody Bellinger signals a rebirth of sorts. Thankfully for Cubs fans, the front office doesn’t seem to be done spending just yet.

Cubs targeting pair of free agents after Dansby Swanson

Per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Chicago is aiming to sign pitcher Drew Smyly, who started 22 games on the north side in 2022. In those starts, Smyly went 7-8 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.194 WHIP. In many ways, Smyly has become a more complete pitcher, seeing record lows in K/9 while also improving his overall profile as a starter.

Alongside Smyly, Chicago is targeting the second half of what’s expected to be a backstop by committee. Yan Gomes is likely to be the opening day starter, ad the Cubs planned when they signed him last offseason under the assumption that Willson Contreras would leave this winter. That’s proven to be true.

Alongside Gomes, Hoyer and Co. would like to add Tucker Barnhart, who many pinned as a buy-low candidate prior the start of the offseason. While Barnhart is admittedly coming off a rough year in Detroit, his 2021 campaign in Cincinnati saw him slash a respectable .247/.317/.368. In 2020, he won his second career Gold Glove.

Perhaps a trip back to the NL Central will help Barnhart revive his career near the tail end.