As baseball fans await the signing of some of the game’s brightest stars, Chicago Cubs fans hope to see big news from the Friendly Confines in the upcoming months.
While the Cubs may not be able to compete with the league’s elite for the biggest name on the board – outfielder Juan Soto – there are a few signings I believe can bring a higher level of competition to Chicago in 2025.
PETE ALONSO
Ranking 20th in homeruns in 2024, the Cubs are in need of an extra power bat in their lineup. First baseman Pete Alonso has established himself as one of the most consistent homerun hitters in baseball, reaching 40+ long balls in three of his six seasons. Alonso has only failed to reach 30 home runs in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. Outfielder Ian Happ led the Cubs with 25 home runs last season.
Adding Alonso could bring some much needed pop to a team that was below league average in home runs, batting average, slugging percentage and OPS last season.
TANNER SCOTT
The Cubs saw solid production across their pitching staff last season, but an all-star reliever like Tanner Scott is necessary if they have any intention of contending next season. Reliever Porter Hodge emerged as a viable ninth inning option after closer Héctor Neris was traded in August, but an additional lights-out arm could do wonders to anchor the bullpen and win more close games.
Scott finished last season with a 1.75 ERA, good for sixth in the league among qualifying relievers. In the playoffs this past season, Scott allowed just 2 hits and no runs in 4.1 innings pitched for the San Diego Padres.
ROKI SASAKI
After four seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball league (NPB) in Japan, pitcher Roki Sasaki has officially made himself available for MLB free agency at just 23 years old. Sasaki recorded a 2.10 ERA in 64 games in the NPB.
No team will be able to lure in Sasaki with a paycheck due to international signing restrictions, which means the signing will have minimal financial risk with a potential for high reward. The Cubs have had recent success bringing in players from Japan – outfielder Seiya Suzuki and pitcher Shota Imanaga – and their presence could help the team land a promising young starter into an already solid rotation.
WHIT MERRIFIELD
Three-time all-star second baseman Whit Merrifield’s best days may be behind him, but he still could carry value off the bench. At age 35, Merrifield is fresh off his worst offensive season, but he is only one year removed from an all-star season where he hit .272.
If Merrifield sees even a small rebound, he could serve as an effective pitch hitter and versatile defender. It’s not a big splash, but hopeful depth signings like these could do wonders for a team that hovered around .500 last season.
ANTHONY RIZZO
All right, maybe this is the nostalgic Cubs fan in me, but bringing back first baseman Anthony Rizzo seems to make sense. Rizzo likely wouldn’t be an everyday starter, especially if Alonso is brought in, but he could provide veteran leadership to a young team finding their footing while energizing the Wrigley Field faithful.
A return to Chicago could have a similar effect that was seen in Albert Pujols when he returned to St. Louis in 2022. But even if Rizzo cannot find what he once had on the field or bring in wins as a mentor, bringing him home would be a gesture of class and respect that should be expected from the organization.
