Now that Shohei Ohtani has signed his mega-deal with the Dodgers for 700 Million dollars the real fun begins. So before the chaos, I figured I would share my wishlist for this off-season.
Let’s start by improving the rotation I would like to see the Cubs sign Blake Snell and make a trade for Dylan Cease. Tyler Glasnow has been rumored, but, I prefer Cease in Trade due to his reliability and ability to stay healthy. A top-of-the-rotation of Justin Steele, Dylan Cease, and Blake Snell would be tough to beat. Kyle Hendricks and James Taillon at the back end of the rotation would be a huge upgrade over last year.
Rhys Hoskins is a right-hand bat I would love to see playing First Base/DH next season for the Cubs. Hoskins had 30 home runs and 79 RBIs last season for the Phillies. Matt Mervis has potential but for me, he looked lost at the plate last year batting under .250 so slotting Rhys in his spot makes too much sense to me.
How about a hard Throwing reliever like Robert Stephenson once a Pirate before being traded to the Rays last season. Adding a hard-throwing arm to the pen never hurts you can never have enough arms. While you’re at it add it give the Guardians a call and see if they have any interest in trading Emmanuel Clase. We might as well add an elite closer if we want to try and contend for real moving Adbert Alzolay as the setup man takes the late innings right away from the Starters and hands it off to an elite Bullpen sure would be nice next year.
Now for my big gift Santa, I really would like to find Cody Bellinger back in Wrigley next season, lock him up, and bring him home. Cody was such a great addition last year on the show me deal, well pay the man he was great. Cody hit .307 and had 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases for the Cubbies last year. That kind of production along with his stellar defense is going to be hard to replace.
The additions of Dylan Cease, Blake Snell, Rhys Hoskins, Robert Stephenson, Emmanuel Clase, and Cody Bellinger would make this upcoming season a blast to watch. I know it’s a lot, but I believe we Cubs fans have all been good and would greatly appreciate these gifts!
