10 free agents the Cubs could sign before sprint training
It's not a signing that signals much of anything, but at least it's something.
With multiple roster holes to fill and spring training just a few weeks away, the Cubs added a backup catcher Saturday. After agreeing to a one-year contract worth a reported $1.5 million, 32-year-old Austin Romine slots in behind Willson Contreras.
Romine, a career .239/.278/.361 hitter with 27 home runs and 152 RBI over nine seasons with the Yankees and Tigers, replaces Victor Caratini, who was traded to the Padres with Yu Darvish.
There are still four spots open on the Cubs' 40-man roster, and starting pitchers and a left fielder remain the biggest needs.
After dumping Darvish's big salary on San Diego, new president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer made it clear the Cubs are “at the end of the window” and won't be taking on significant salaries until “we have a team that has the bones necessary to do that.”
There are still plenty of free agents like Romine the Cubs could get on the relative cheap.
Here are 10 names to watch:
Chris Archer
After having surgery to relieve symptoms of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, Archer sat out the entire 2020 season.
He'd likely agree to a one-year deal at a reasonable price, making the Cubs a match.
Archer hasn't been a top-end starting pitcher since 2015, but the Cubs are open to reclamation projects. Shelby Miller, who reportedly signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs a week ago, is a perfect example.
Taijuan Walker
After missing most of the 2018-19 seasons due to Tommy John surgery and a shoulder issue, Walker bounced back last year and was 4-3 with a 2.70 ERA in 11 starts with the Mariners and Blue Jays.
The 28-year-old righty is looking for multi-year deal and could turn out to be a bargain.
Adam Duvall
The Cubs need to replace left fielder Kyle Schwarber, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Nationals after being non-tendered.
Duvall, who hit 26 homers in only 98 games with the Braves the last two seasons, is available after also being non-tendered.
Carlos Rodon
He was never able to stay healthy in six seasons with the White Sox, but the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft was throwing hard at the end of last year and is worth the gamble at the right price.
Jeremy Jeffress
The Cubs' bullpen also needs help, so bringing Jeffress back makes sense.
While he's no longer a pure power reliever, Jeffress was effective with the Cubs last season while going 4-1 with a 1.54 ERA.
Jake Arrieta
He won the 2015 Cy Young Award pitching for the Cubs but was a bust after signing a three-year, $75 million contract with the Phillies.
Coming off another season cut short by injury, the 34-year-old righty is scheduled to throw for interested teams this week.
Eddie Rosario
The left fielder is still on the market almost two months after being waived by the Twins.
The longer he's out there, the better the price should be for the 29-year-old Rosario, who had 32 home runs and 109 RBI for Minnesota in 2019.
Mike Foltynewicz
An all-star starting pitcher with the Braves in 2018, the Minooka High school product lost weight and fastball velocity, dropping off Atlanta's roster. Like Shelby Miller, Foltynewicz would likely agree to a minor-league contract if the incentives look good.
Mike Tauchman
He grew up as a Cubs fan and played at Fremd High School in Palatine and Bradley before joining the Rockies and Yankees.
Tauchman can play all three outfield spots and has a solid left-handed bat, but New York would want a good piece or two in return before agreeing to a trade.
Rick Porcello
Like Jake Arrieta, Porcello is a former Cy Young Award nearing the end of his career. He's looking for a one-year deal in the $5 million range, which might be too pricey for the Cubs.