3 Last-Minute Free Agents the Cubs Need to Sign Before Spring Training

With the NFL season in the rearview mirror, much of the sports world is now turning its attention to the start of baseball. Spring Training is right around the corner, with pitchers and catchers reporting in the coming days.

Even so, teams are still working out ways to improve their rosters as a number of valuable free agents are still available. That includes the Chicago Cubs, who still need some help after going 74-88 last year.

With the Cubs looking to return to contention in the NL Central in 2023, here are three free agents they should be targeting ahead of Spring Training.

Chicago Cubs Free Agency Rumors

1. Jurickson Profar, UTIL

The Cubs already made a splash in the outfield this offseason with the signing of Cody Bellinger, but bringing in another veteran like Jurickson Profar could be a wise move for depth and insurance purposes. Left fielder Ian Happ seems like he's constantly on the trade block, so signing Profar could give Chicago the flexibility to move him. Profar will only be 30 this year, making him a relatively young and affordable free agent.

2. Will Smith, RP

There is no such thing as having too many good bullpen arms, and Chicago could use another solid lefty out of the pen. Coming off a championship with the Houston Astros in 2022, Will Smith would bring championship experience to a team that doesn't have much of it after losing most of the stars that won it all in 2016. The 33-year-old former All-Star averaged over a strikeout per inning last season and has been a reliable reliever for over a decade. Based on his strong finish with Houston last year, he still seems to have plenty left in the tank.

3. Gary Sanchez, C

The Cubs' catcher situation is bleak following the loss of Willson Contreras in free agency. Gary Sanchez clearly has struggled on both offense and defense in recent years, but his power potential remains enormous. Sanchez has topped 30 home runs multiple times in his career and is still just 30 years old. Wrigley Field can be a friendly spot for power hitters when the wind is blowing out, so Sanchez could have a rebound year if he ends up in Chicago. With a clear need behind the plate, the Cubs should consider taking a chance on the former New York Yankee.

David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.