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3 Players the Cubs Need to Sign Once MLB Lifts Freeze

By Steven Kubitza

Russell Martin is still a free agent after spending 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Russell Martin is still a free agent after spending 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. / Will Newton/Getty Images

The Chicago Cubs may be approaching the end of their window to win another World Series title. Jon Lester may be in his final season, Kris Bryant could be gone next year, and both Anthony Rizzo and Javy Baez are owed big raises soon.

That makes 2020 an important season in which the Cubs should be going all in to win it all and end a much shorter title drought this time around. Adding a few veteran players who are still available should help the team in 2020.

3. Tim Beckham

Tim Beckham was a member of the Seattle Mariners in 2019.
Tim Beckham was a member of the Seattle Mariners in 2019. / Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

Tim Beckham is an interesting option because he still has to finish serving an 80-game suspension for PED use he received last August. That should lower his value to the absolute minimum as he looks for redemption. The veteran infielder spent 2019 in Seattle where he hit 15 home runs in 88 games. Beckham is not a flashy option, but he does provide infield depth at every position. That may end up being a major need given the unique circumstances of the season.

2. Jared Hughes

Jared Hughes was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.
Jared Hughes was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. / Will Newton/Getty Images

Jared Hughes has been a steady option out of the bullpen during his nine-year career. He made 72 appearances in 2019 between the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies and posted a 4.04 ERA. Hughes' career ERA is an impressive 2.88 and he could be a reliable arm in a bullpen that's supposed to be led by Craig Kimbrel. Hughes is not a closer himself, but could get late-game opportunities assuming he continues on his current pace.

1. Russell Martin

Russell Martin returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019.
Russell Martin returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019. / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Russell Martin remains a free agent after making his return to the Dodgers in 2019. The veteran doesn't stand out as a starting option for the Cubs, but rather as an experienced veteran backup. He can share his wisdom with Willson Contreras and also with the pitching staff. Martin has been in MLB for 14 seasons and Cubs fans saw how signing a veteran like David Ross paid off in the past.