Former MLB Exec Thinks Cubs' Free Agent Target Chapman Re-Signs With Blue Jays

With third base being the most pressing need of the Chicago Cubs, a former MLB executive thinks they won't land the best one on the market.

After a disappointing end to the year that saw the Chicago Cubs miss the 2023 playoffs, they entered the offseason knowing what upgrades they needed to make on this roster.

While Justin Steele had a great year that earned him his first All-Star nod and a fifth-place finish in the NL Cy Young voting, the departure of Marcus Stroman created a clear need for the Cubs to make an addition to their starting rotation.

They were able to accomplish that by signing Japanese star Shota Imanaga.

The next order of business was getting some more positional depth and adding a bullpen piece.

Chicago got that in a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which netted them a veteran reliever and up-and-coming prospect ready for full-time Major League action.

However, with Cody Bellinger not back, the lineup still has some holes.

One player who seems like a perfect fit is Matt Chapman.

The third baseman is an elite defender and fits the Cubs' massive need at that position. He's coming off another Gold Glove season, his fourth overall, and continues to hit at an above-average level.

The 30-year-old would not only upgrade their defense, but they would be adding a veteran bat who has a career slash line of .240/.349/.461 and has hit 20-plus homers in four out of his seven seasons.

But former MLB executive, Jim Bowden, doesn't think Chicago will land Chapman.

He thinks the third baseman will re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason, returning to the team he's spent the last two years with.

"I’m not sure the Blue Jays will move much from their latest offer, but they might not have to either, unless the Giants increase their bid ... I’m predicting a Chapman-Blue Jays reunion," he wrote in his article for The Athletic.

As with everything, this situation likely comes down to finances.

Chapman is the best third baseman on the market and is likely expecting to be paid as such.

The Cubs might not meet his asking price and that could ultimately cost them a star player who fills their most pressing hole on the roster.