This offseason, the Cubs have signed more major-league free agents not on their team previously than any other MLB ballclub. (The Mets technically signed more, but a couple of them were re-signings of their own free agents.)
Will that make enough of a difference for the Cubs to compete for the division title?
You already know the key signings and acquisitions the Cubs have made. Let’s look at what their divisional rivals have done so far.
St. Louis Cardinals
Key departures: Corey Dickerson, Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols, José Quintana
Key acquisitions: Willson Contreras
Obviously, Contreras’ performance will be very important in determining the Cardinals’ direction this year.