Chicago Cubs offseason review: Dansby Swanson is the big prize

The Chicago Cubs landed a franchise cornerstone in Dansby Swanson. Was it enough to make this MLB offseason a success?

Entering the offseason, the Chicago Cubs made it clear they were in position to spend. With payroll flexibility, and a deep free-agent shortstop class, they were in strong position to address their biggest need.

A franchise shortstop.

They were in on Trea Turner, but the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres were the two finalists. Carlos Correa likely exceeded their budget. Xander Bogaerts signed a $280 million contract that blew evaluators away. The next best shortstop, Dansby Swanson, was a natural fit for the Cubs — his wife, Mallory Swanson, is a professional soccer player in Chicago — and would command a contract that fit perfectly into their payroll construction.

On Dec. 17, Swanson and the Cubs agreed to a seven-year, $177 million contract that included a full no-trade clause. And that’s not the only goal they accomplished this winter.

Who did the Chicago Cubs add in MLB free agency?

• Dansby Swanson: seven years, $177 million.
• Jameson Taillon: four years, $68 million.
• Cody Bellinger: one-year, $17.5 million.
• Drew Smyly: two years, $19 million with an option for a third season.
• Eric Hosmer: one-year contract for the league minimum.
• Tucker Barnhart: two-year, $6.5 million contract that includes an opt out after the 2023 season.
• Brad Boxberger: one-year, $2.8 million.

Who did the Cubs lose?

• Willson Contreras (signed a five-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals).
• Wade Miley (signed a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers).

Who was the Cubs’ most meaningful addition?

The easy answer is Dansby Swanson. He gives the Cubs the long-term shortstop that they had been seeking for the last two offseasons and paired with Nico Hoerner, gives them arguably the best defensive middle infield in baseball.

To not be obvious, I’ll go with Jameson Taillon. I spoke with numerous talent evaluators this offseason who had their eyes on Taillon, believing he can be even better than the 3.91 ERA that he posted in 2022. A $17 million annual average value was steep for some executives, but he was in demand and gave the Cubs another frontline starting pitcher in a rotation that needed an influx of talent.

Especially with Kyle Hendricks remaining a question mark entering the 2023 season. For years, he was the Cubs’ surest thing in the rotation. But Hendricks’ timeline to return from a right shoulder injury is uncertain and while the best-case scenario is that he’s ready to return for Opening Day, the organization cannot plan on that. They want to be careful with Hendricks and not rush him during his recovery so he can pitch meaningful innings this year.

This is why adding Taillon was so vital for the Cubs not only in 2023 but in the long haul.

What are the Cubs’ biggest questions?

While the Cubs have had a busy and productive offseason, the roster still comes with multiple questions. Will Cody Bellinger regain his previous MVP form? Will they add another bat? Have they added enough to the bullpen?

Bellinger, 27, sought a one-year deal in an attempt to restore his value with a chance to become a free agent after the 2023 season. He was the biggest boom-or-bust free agent this winter and if he’s anywhere close to his 2019 self, where he hit .305/.406/.629 with 47 home runs, the $17.5 million guarantee will be a steal. The only problem is he hasn’t hit above .239 in each of the last three seasons after suffering a serious shoulder injury in ’19 and is uncertain to ever regain that form.

The Cubs not adding another bat, or even a designated hitter, could be an indication that they want to give meaningful at-bats to Matt Mervis early in the season. Mervis, 24, is a rising prospect who burst onto the scene in 2022 and was named Arizona Fall Stars Game MVP and is a sneaky candidate to win National League Rookie of the Year.

Buzz on the Cubs offseason:

“I wanted Taillon, but those numbers are heavy for two Tommy John surgeries and performance. Cubs needed to do something and if I’m gambling on someone, I’d feel good with him.”

— Anonymous MLB Executive

Offseason Grade: B+