2022 Team

[Clapp]

I'm often hesitant to speak broadly about fan bases, but after reading about Joey Gallo's treatment in NY, can you imagine what they would have done with Heyward? Massively under-performed the contract obviously, but I'm glad the typical representative Cub fan can contextualize what he did bring to the table in his time with the Cubs.

Lots of chatter about if the Cubs will/should go after a SS in the off-season (deja vu). Of these options, which would you pick?

1. Dansby Swanson
2. Trea Turner
3. Xander Bogaerts
4. Carlos Correa
5. Stick with Nico and spend the money elsewhere

I like Bogaerts the most (though there is some concerning batted ball data... but I'd trust the track record on the surface), but he'll also have the Qualifying Offer attached. That wouldn't stop me from pursuing him, but maybe it's a tiebreaker vs Correa.

Turner is an awesome player, but I do have some concerns about how a speed-based guy ages. Granted, he's an excellent hitter, so perhaps he'll be fine there. I sure as heck wouldn't complain about signing him.

Swanson has been the best player of the group this year, but I also trust him the least. I'd take him, but probably not at the price somebody else will.

As for the No. 5 option... I think Nico shouldn't prevent anything. I also think he's the long-term shortstop (he's playing better defense than any of them at the moment) and a current legit star! But either he can play second base for a little bit or the new guy can play second base or third base. If you pay the player what they want, odds are the shortstop thing isn't going to be a big bugaboo. Or you can ease them into a transition, a la Manny Machado. Marcus Semien and Trevor Story are playing second base now after being shortstops and getting paid, for example. Part of the thing about sticking at shortstop is perceived value, and that doesn't mean a whole lot if they've just gotten a crap ton of money secured long-term.

But it's not as much that the Cubs need a shortstop as it is that shortstop just so happens to have the most intriguing talent this offseason- and you can play shortstops anywhere. It would work itself out. Give me one of Bogaerts, Correa, Turner, and let's go from there.