The Chicago Cubs have made some big moves for their 2024 team this offseason. After hiring manager Craig Counsell for a $40 million contract, they also acquired Shōta Imanaga for the starting rotation and re-signed outfielder Cody Bellinger. Veteran slugger J.D. Martinez is still available as Opening Day approaches. Should Chicago bring him to the Windy City?
Sports Illustrated’s Brad Wakai believes the Cubs should think about it. “Jed Hoyer and his team were able to address areas of need by adding a starting pitcher, Major League bullpen pieces, lineup depth, and getting back their star slugger,” he said. “However, there are a few players throughout this roster that are prime candidates to regress in 2024. On the offensive side, those names are Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel.”
Wakai mentioned Bellinger struggling with the Los Angeles Dodgers between 2020 and 2022 before his resurgent 2023 with Chicago as one of his reasons. He also mentioned that Morel will get more chances to perform in 2024 with the Cubs. However, that could come with growing pains for the 24-year-old. Signing someone like Martinez could boost Counsell’s lineup while providing insurance if certain players regress.
The right-handed slugger hit 33 home runs with 103 RBI in just 479 plate appearances for the Dodgers in 2023. A three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Martinez was named an All-Star last year for the sixth time in his career. Spotrac has estimated his market value at $15.4 million.
The National League Central Is up for Grabs
If there’s any division within Major League Baseball that’s up for grabs in 2024, it’s definitely the NL Central.
Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA projections currently have the St. Louis Cardinals rebounding from a last-place finish in 2023 to take home the 2024 divisional crown. However, their 84.2-win projection is easily the lowest in baseball for a division winner. The next lowest is the Minnesota Twins. PECOTA is predicting them to win the American League Central with 89.8 wins.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have a win projection of 81.6 to go along with a 39.5% chance of reaching the postseason for the first time since 2020.
FanGraphs’ Roster Resource projects Bellinger to hit third and Morel to hit fourth in Chicago’s lineup. Adding Martinez would strengthen the middle of Counsell’s order by accomplishing two things. He’d provide proven protection for Bellinger while also taking some pressure off Morel to be the club’s main run producer.
Adding Martinez Would Complicate Some Things
The one downside to the Cubs pursuing Martinez would be his lack of defensive versatility. He’s a true designated hitter, having played just 39 games in the outfield since the start of 2021, per Baseball-Reference.
Adding Martinez to the mix would limit Counsell from using the DH spot as a rotating door to keep players fresh and sharp, which Wakai notes. It’s also still undetermined whether Morel will get the majority of his at-bats there or elsewhere in 2024.
He entered camp with the opportunity to focus on playing third base. However, his lack of protection has made the Cubs keep considering whether it would be a good idea for him to play third base on Opening Day and beyond.
Wakai also mentioned the Cubs’ front office probably isn’t seriously considering trying to acquire Martinez. But when an established player continues to be available, it could start to be more tempting to teams who had initially rejected the idea.
