Cubs have 'no reason' to chase three-time All-Star this offseason, says insider

While the Chicago Cubs still have an outside chance at making the postseason in 2024, most Cubs fans are already looking ahead to 2025.

The expectation is that Chicago will be very aggressive this offseason in its pursuit of talent, with the Cubs already linked to several high-profile players.

Hurler Corbin Burnes, sluggers Vladimir Guererro Jr., and Pete Alonso are reportedly on the Cubs’ list of targets. However, Cubs reporter Evan Massey says one name should be eliminated from consideration .

Though the Cubs have long been connected to Alonso, Massey writes, "there is no reason for the Cubs to pursue him and spend the kind of money that it would take to get him.”

Massey cites the emergence of rookie first baseman Michael Busch as the number one reason Jed Hoyer should focus his resources elsewhere.

Busch, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers last January,  has been a steady presence for Chicago, batting .258 with 16 home runs and 47 runs batted in.

His salary is just $741,000 this season and he won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2027 or free agency until 2030. He gives the Cubs a long-term, in-house option at first base for years.

Meanwhile, Alonso, a four-time All-Star with the Mets, will be looking for a significant upgrade to his $20.5 million salary.

Alonso has better power numbers, but he’s also three years older than Busch. The Cubs have every reason to believe that Busch will continue to develop into a franchise mainstay.

With that in mind, focusing on bigger areas of need may be the best option for a front office that needs to put a legitimate contender on the field next season.

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