The Cubs featured prominently in Jeff Passan’s recent article about 10 teams to watch as free agency picks up, and it’s not just because of who they could sign. I mean, yeah, the part about Shohei Ohtani being the perfect transaction is what stands out the most. And while I agree with Passan that such a coup would be a “full-send cannonball,” it wouldn’t mean the Cubs are all-in on the 2024 season.
Just like you don’t sign Craig Counsell to the richest managerial contract ever just to win right away, you don’t bring Ohtani in to lead your team for one year as a DH.