Chicago Cubs miss out on golden opportunity with free agent slugger

The Chicago Cubs are headed into the 2026 season with an upgraded roster and expectations of a deeper postseason run than last season, which ended in Game 5 of the NLDS against the division rival Milwaukee Brewers.

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Despite losing Kyle Tucker to free agency, the team added third baseman Alex Bregman via free agency, emerging powerhouse pitcher Edward Cabrera via trade with the Miami Marlins, and four free agent relievers to restock a depleted bullpen.

After a very eventful offseason, most believe that the Cubs are pretty much set for the upcoming campaign. Each of the position player slots is filled, the bullpen is packed, and the starting rotation is overflowing with possible starters.

Cubs still looking to improve team

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This doesn’t mean, however, that Chicago is done trying to find ways to fortify their roster even further.

They’re reportedly still having talks with free agent starter Zac Gallen. There are reports of their willingness to entertain offers for infielders Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. They’re also reportedly still looking over free agent outfielders.

But the Cubs just missed out on a golden opportunity to really deliver an instant charge to the team and its championship chances in 2026 by overlooking Eugenio Suarez.

Cubs missed out on Eugenio Suarez (and his team-friendly contract)

The free agent slugger, instead, was just signed to a fairly team-friendly contract by the NL Central Cincinnati Reds.

Per MLB insider Jeff Passan

“Slugger Eugenio Suárez and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, sources tell ESPN. The best bat left on the market goes to Cincinnati, where he’s expected to get most of his at-bats at DH.”

The 34-year-old’s willingness to sign a one-year deal for $15 million– and also to forego his third baseman spot for a DH role– should have the Cubs kicking themselves for not trying a bit harder to explore a play for the veteran home run hitter.

Last year, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, he finished fifth in MLB in home runs (49) and fourth in RBIs (118). The Cubs were reportedly interested in acquiring him from the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, but a deal never materialized.

Against the Cubs, specifically, he was a terror. In just 7 games and 24 at bats versus Cubs pitching, he hit 5 home runs and drove in 11 runs. Overall, the Venezuela native has just been a Cubs killer with 36 home runs in 478 career at bats against the North Siders.

Not a great fit, but a powerful one

While it’s true that Chicago has greater need for a quality left-handed bat in their right-hand dominant lineup, it’s also true that you don’t turn down a potential 40-home run guy who could practically fall into your lap just because he’s a righty.

Suarez somewhere in the middle of the Cubs’ 2026 lineup as the team’s DH would’ve been killer. And spending the $15 million to get him (with a $16 million mutual option for 2027) would still leave the team a little room for in-season acquisitions before hitting the second luxury tax threshold.

Top prospect Moises Ballesteros, who is currently projected to be the opening day designated hitter, looks to be the real deal when it comes to hitting ability. Bringing Suarez aboard would’ve probably meant keeping him in Triple-A. But Ballesteros just turned 22. He would’ve been okay spending one more season in Iowa, where he could probably work on the defensive limitations that currently make him a DH-only player in the majors.

But the Cubs DIDN’T make a grab at Suarez. Now, they’ll have to deal with him on an improved division rival team.

The post Chicago Cubs miss out on golden opportunity with free agent slugger appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-eugenio-suarez-dh-2026-moises-ballesteros