NEWSLETTER
There’s almost no way this actually works out, but I want to talk it through in my head – and since you’re here with me, I’ll just type it as I think it.
We have talked before about the crazy version of the Cubs adding a bat where they put that bat at first base, move Michael Busch to second base, and trade Nico Hoerner. A lot of moving parts – parts that make a lot of assumptions and also ignore Matt Shaw – so it sure seems unlikely. We dream on it because it’s one of the few ways the Cubs could bring in a star-level bat, even after the return of Cody Bellinger, but it is remote not only because of all those moving parts, but also because stars are in limited supply. Even if you try to land one, other teams are trying, too.
That got me thinking about other bats the Cubs could add, who were not necessarily star-level, and also were not necessarily going to require all those moving parts.
Like, what if the bat you add is not a Pete Alonso (long-term deal) or Vlad Guerrero Jr. (every-day must-start) type? What if you added a guy who starts only sometimes, is a power bat available off the bench the other times, and then you can use Busch as your left-handed-hitting back-up at second and third base on the days he’s not at first? If you could pull that off, you’d definitely have a better chance to be maximizing your lineup and roster.
As the headline implies, this was all sparked by Paul Goldschmidt. He took a big step back from his monstrous 2022 campaign (.317/.404/.578/175 wRC+) in 2023 (.268/.363/.447/122 wRC+), and then an even further step back in 2024 (.245/.302/.414/100 wRC+). He is now 37, and I’m not sure he can count on a sure-fire starting job somewhere. Definitely isn’t going to get a huge contract in any case, and I think teams would be wise to view him as a potentially-very-good complementary-type player at this point.
That said, the guy still has power, looks to have been a little unfortunate on his batted ball luck last year, still runs the bases well, and plays fine defense at first. And, even in his overall down year, Goldschmidt still clobbered lefties (.295/.366/.473/134 wRC+).
In a world where Paul Goldschmidt has to settle for a cheap one-year deal and a part-time role, is it so crazy to think about him for the Cubs? Cody Bellinger’s return certainly gums it up a bit, but he’ll mostly be playing in the outfield, and although he also handles lefties well, you aren’t necessarily choosing between him and Goldschmidt, given the DH spot and rest days. So, having a guy like Goldschmidt means Busch gets days off against tough lefties, Nico Hoerner and Isaac Paredes get regular rest via Busch, there’s a big bopper on the bench on other days, and also it’s just additional power coverage in the event any of Busch, Bellinger, or Seiya Suzuki get hurt. And if the Cubs do move Cody Bellinger, this does become even more plausible, if not downright advisable.
You might wonder about the extent to which adding another veteran would block Cubs prospects who are ready to go. Fair enough, and I think I’d probably ultimately agree with that being a concern if Bellinger is not dealt. Then again, the guys you’re talking about – mostly Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcántara, and Moises Ballesteros – all provide something pretty different (positionally, or lefty bat, or everyday starter at a non-Goldschmidt spot) than Goldschmidt would. I’m not actually sure how many at bats he would be taking away, in a complementary/bench role, from those four prospects.
Well. Huh. I kinda wound up talking myself into this a little more than I thought I would. I’m still not actually sure it works for a couple reasons – the prospects thing gives me pause, and the idea that you can ASSUME Busch would be capable at second base and third base is potentially a reach – but I do like the idea of having an extra thumper available from the right side. Maybe the Cubs will just have to hope that Alexander Canario can be that guy, and he does make some sense on paper right now given his presence on the 40-man roster and lack of minor league options.
Maybe if Goldschmidt’s market languishes, and maybe if Bellinger gets dealt, and maybe if the Cubs decide they really just want to have another veteran bat with power. I’d call it unlikely, but not impossible. As I said, it was just on the brain today.
