Cubs viewed as dark horse landing spot for coveted Yankees slugger

The Chicago Cubs could be sleeper contenders for one of the highest-paid free agents in the history of the league.

Chicago went on a late-season surge this year and finished with an 83-79 record. The Cubs have a talented roster that should fully expect to make the playoffs next season under Craig Counsell.

For most of the season, Chicago was seen as a massive disappointment. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer was even talked about as someone who could get fired.

Things aren’t that dire after Chicago ended the season well, but Hoyer might still want to make a huge splash in free agency anyway.

Could Hoyer swoop in to make a powerful offer for New York Yankees superstar slugger Juan Soto?

Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston certainly thinks it’s possible. Beaston listed the Cubs as one of eight possible landing spots for Soto, citing New York Post’s Jon Heyman as the source of this intel.

“When MLB free agency kicks off on the day after the World Series, no player will be more coveted than left fielder Juan Soto,” Beaston said.

“The 26-year-old is in the midst of the best statistical season of his career and is a unicorn of sorts: a young player, at the peak of his talent, hitting free agency for the first time in his career.”

“Nearly all franchises with available funds will be in the hunt for the generational player, but the New York Post 's Jon Heyman reported there is a pecking order for teams favored to land him.”

“The incumbent team, the ALCS-bound New York Yankees, are the current and "clear" favorites, followed closely by the cross-town New York Mets.”

“Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia round out the remainder of the list.”

So you’re saying there’s a chance!

Soto more than likely stays in New York, but if Hoyer decides he’s going all in for Soto, things could get interesting.

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