Pete Alonso [Noah K. Murray | AP ]
One of the problems associated with the 2024 Chicago Cubs is their lack of slugging. One possible fix would be to sign upcoming free agent Pete Alonso. Alonso does indeed slug, but would he help the Cubs? Alonso hit 34 home runs and drove in 88 runs in 2024, to go along with a .240 batting average, an OBP of .329 and a slugging percentage of .429. Not bad, but a decline from recent seasons.
In 2022 Alonso connected for 46 round trippers and followed that up with 40 in 2023. Pete’s RBI totals for the last three seasons are 131-118-88. Notice a trend there? His WAR and OPS numbers show a similar trend.
Meanwhile, the Cubs trotted rookie first baseman Michael Busch out to the position in 2024. While Busch hit only 21 home runs and drove in 65 runs, his WAR of 2.8 was actually better than Alonso’s 2.6. Plus, his OPS of .775 was nearly as good as Alonso’s .788.
In addition, Alonso had more than 100 plate appearances than Busch. Also, Wrigley Field was one of the worst, if not the worst ballpark in the major leagues to hit in. Trade ballparks and number of plate appearances Busch numbers would look even better.
But if the Cubs were to sign Alonso…
The only way signing Alonso works is if the Cubs make other moves. Alonso for Busch is an expensive lateral move. Plus, the signing of Alonso would be an expensive move for a depreciating asset. If the Cubs sign Alonso, they could move Busch to second base and move Nico Hoerner in a trade that could net them a starting pitcher or relief help.
The Cubs are going to have to make a move of some sort to make room for up-and-coming infield prospect Matt Shaw. If the Cubs trade Hoerner and plug Shaw in at second base, they figure to add slug but lose glove. Another option would be to trade Issac Paredes and slot Matt Shaw at third.
But the Cubs shouldn’t be cheap
While not advocating for the Cubs to sign Alonso doesn’t mean I want the Cubs to maintain the status quo. There is a need to get at least one more solid starter and some help in the bullpen. Pitching plays at home and on the road. Power is negated by the wind at Wrigley Field, at least part of the season.
What if Bellinger opts out?
If Bellinger stays, that’s fine. But if he tries free agency again, that’s also okay. Owen Cassie is waiting in the wings. Bellinger’s production was just okay last season, with 18 homers and 78 RBIs and an OPS of .751. That just isn’t worth $27 million. If he opts out, the Cubs have other areas that need to be upgraded.
Whatever the Cubs do in the offseason, hopefully they won’t be so hesitant to make needed changes in the 2025 season.
