Cubs surprisingly linked to Phillies All-Star for upcoming free agency

The Chicago Cubs will be putting all of their chips on the table during free agency this winter.

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer will be fighting for his job , which means he'll be as aggressive as ever from a buying standpoint.

What do the Cubs need most? It's difficult to say amid a confusing 2024 season in which Chicago has recently surged back into low-key Wild Card contention.

The Cubs lineup is loaded with talent (yet has underperformed this season), and while most would argue that their bullpen needs a makeover, Chicago has reportedly pushed back on the notion.

Still, it's hard to imagine Hoyer not adding an impact arm or two to his 'pen during the offseason, which is why he will likely be closely monitoring the free agency situation of Philadelphia Phillies hurler Carlos Estévez, whom Philadelphia acquired from the Los Angeles Angels before the deadline.

In a new article entitled "Projecting the 10 MLB Stars Playing for a New Team in 2025", Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly mentioned the Cubs as a potential landing spot for Estévez.

"The 2023 All-Star is having a career year and should do well in free agency this offseason," Kelly said.

"President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may like to re-sign the 31-year-old, but the Phillies could be left to decide between him and Jeff Hoffman this winter. Hoffman was a first-time All-Star this year, and he seems likely to be the bigger priority in the offseason."

"Such is life for relievers. Estévez should have no problem finding work this winter. He's proved capable of closing, but he could also go to a team that prefers a more matchup-based approach or just wants him to be their top setup man. If not a return to the Phillies, the Texas Rangers, Cubs and Diamondbacks could all be fits for the veteran righty."

Estévez has compiled a 2.42 ERA this season in 44 appearances and has made 22 saves out of 26 attempts.

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