Within the context of Main League Baseball, this idea refers to gamers not sure by a contract with any group, whom the Chicago Cubs group would possibly think about buying to bolster their roster. As an example, a power-hitting outfielder at present a free agent might be a possible acquisition if the Cubs search to enhance their offensive capabilities. This means of participant acquisition is a crucial element of group constructing in skilled baseball.
Shrewd collection of these gamers can considerably impression a group’s efficiency, addressing weaknesses and enhancing strengths. Traditionally, groups have utilized this participant pool to fill gaps of their lineups, purchase veteran management, or put money into promising younger expertise. Profitable free agent signings can rework a group’s trajectory, resulting in improved common season data and potential playoff rivalry. The strategic pursuit and acquisition of those gamers usually replicate a group’s broader objectives and ambitions for future seasons.
A deeper examination of particular positional wants, potential candidates, and the monetary implications concerned will present a extra full understanding of the group’s present technique. This entails analyzing participant statistics, contemplating group dynamics, and evaluating the general market panorama.
1. Beginning Pitching
Beginning pitching represents an important space of focus for the Chicago Cubs as they consider free agent targets. A constant and efficient beginning rotation is prime to success in Main League Baseball, offering stability and a basis for profitable. The Cubs’ pursuit of beginning pitchers in free company straight correlates with their must solidify this crucial facet of their group. A powerful beginning rotation reduces pressure on the bullpen, improves defensive efficiency by permitting fielders to settle into the sport, and enhances the general likelihood of victory. As an example, the acquisition of a top-tier free agent beginning pitcher can instantly elevate a group’s aggressive standing.
The Cubs’ particular necessities concerning beginning pitching will affect the kind of free agent pitchers they aim. These necessities would possibly embrace a confirmed observe document of success, particular pitch repertoires, sturdiness, or the power to pitch deep into video games. Assessing a pitcher’s previous efficiency metrics, akin to earned run common (ERA), strikeouts per 9 innings (Ok/9), and walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), gives priceless insights into their potential contributions. Analyzing these components inside the context of the Cubs’ current roster and total group technique is crucial for efficient analysis. For instance, if the Cubs prioritize groundball pitchers to enhance their infield protection, this desire will form their concentrating on technique.
Efficiently addressing beginning pitching wants via free company can considerably impression the Cubs’ efficiency. Whereas the pursuit of high-profile free brokers usually entails appreciable monetary funding, the potential return when it comes to wins and total group enchancment can justify the expenditure. Nonetheless, the Cubs should stability their want for speedy impression with the necessity for long-term sustainability and roster stability. Cautious consideration of each current wants and future implications is crucial for navigating the complexities of free company and establishing a aggressive group.
2. Bullpen Depth
A sturdy bullpen is essential for navigating the late innings of shut video games, defending leads, and securing victories. Subsequently, bolstering bullpen depth is a big consideration for the Chicago Cubs when evaluating free agent targets. A deep and versatile bullpen gives managerial flexibility and mitigates the chance of overusing key relievers. This space is usually a focus for groups looking for to enhance their late-game efficiency and total competitiveness.
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Excessive-Leverage Relievers
Buying skilled, high-leverage relievers able to persistently performing in strain conditions is a major goal. These relievers usually deal with the late innings of shut video games, dealing with opposing groups’ greatest hitters. A main instance can be a free agent nearer with a confirmed observe document of saving video games. Including such a participant considerably strengthens a group’s potential to protect leads and safe victories.
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Specialised Roles
Free company additionally presents alternatives to accumulate relievers who specialise in particular roles, akin to left-handed specialists or groundball pitchers. Left-handed specialists are priceless for neutralizing robust left-handed hitters in crucial moments. Groundball pitchers, significantly those that induce double performs, may help escape jams and restrict injury. Concentrating on relievers with these specialised abilities enhances a bullpen’s versatility and effectiveness.
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Center Reduction Depth
Constructing a robust bullpen requires extra than simply high-leverage arms. Stable center relievers are important for bridging the hole between the beginning pitcher and the late-inning specialists. These pitchers present priceless innings, preserving the high-leverage relievers for essential conditions. Investing in high quality center reduction depth contributes to a bullpen’s total stability and effectiveness.
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Harm Issues and Workload Administration
The demanding nature of reduction pitching necessitates buying ample depth to account for potential accidents and handle workload successfully. A deep bullpen permits for strategic relaxation and restoration for key relievers, lowering the chance of overuse and maximizing efficiency all through the season. This depth is an important think about sustaining a persistently aggressive bullpen.
Strengthening the bullpen via strategic free agent acquisitions straight contributes to a group’s total competitiveness. A well-constructed bullpen enhances the possibilities of profitable shut video games, a key think about reaching a profitable season. The Cubs’ analysis of free agent relievers displays their understanding of the significance of bullpen depth in constructing a profitable group. Balancing the necessity for established veterans with the potential of youthful, less-proven arms is a crucial consideration in establishing a deep and efficient bullpen.
3. Outfield Energy
Offensive manufacturing, significantly energy hitting, represents a key space of potential enchancment for the Chicago Cubs. Subsequently, exploring the free agent marketplace for outfielders with demonstrated energy capabilities turns into a big ingredient of their roster development technique. The addition of a power-hitting outfielder can considerably alter a group’s offensive dynamics, offering run manufacturing, driving in baserunners, and impacting opposing pitching methods. This pursuit straight displays the Cubs’ concentrate on enhancing offensive firepower.
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Residence Run Potential
A major focus when evaluating outfield energy is a participant’s potential to hit residence runs. Residence runs straight translate to runs scored, a crucial think about profitable baseball video games. A free agent outfielder with a historical past of constant residence run manufacturing, akin to somebody who has averaged 30 residence runs per season, can be a extremely sought-after goal for a group trying to enhance its offensive output. This pursuit of energy straight influences the sorts of free brokers the Cubs would possibly think about.
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Run Manufacturing and RBI
Past residence runs, total run manufacturing and the power to drive in runs (RBI) are important issues. An outfielder who persistently drives in runs, even with out hitting a excessive quantity of residence runs, provides vital worth to a lineup. For instance, an outfielder who excels at hitting with runners in scoring place, even when their major power is hitting doubles and singles, can considerably impression a group’s scoring functionality. The Cubs would analyze a free agent outfielder’s RBI historical past and total offensive manufacturing to gauge their potential contribution.
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On-Base Proportion (OBP)
Whereas energy is a major focus, a excessive on-base share (OBP) can also be priceless. An outfielder who reaches base continuously creates extra scoring alternatives for teammates and contributes to a extra dynamic offense. As an example, a participant with a robust potential to attract walks provides worth even with out hitting for prime common or energy. The Cubs would ideally goal free brokers who mix energy with a stable on-base share to maximise offensive effectiveness.
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Impression on Lineup Development
Including a power-hitting outfielder impacts the general development and stability of the lineup. It permits managers to strategically place hitters to maximise run-scoring potential. For instance, putting an influence hitter behind a high-on-base share hitter creates alternatives for RBI and will increase the chance of scoring runs. The Cubs would think about how a possible free agent outfielder suits into their current lineup and the potential impression on total offensive manufacturing.
The Cubs’ pursuit of outfield energy in free company is a direct response to their want for elevated offensive manufacturing. Evaluating potential targets entails a complete evaluation of energy potential, run manufacturing capabilities, on-base abilities, and total match inside the current lineup. The acquisition of a power-hitting outfielder can considerably alter the Cubs’ offensive dynamics and enhance their possibilities of profitable. Balancing the necessity for energy with different offensive abilities and contemplating the monetary implications of buying such a participant are essential features of the decision-making course of.
4. Center Infield
The Chicago Cubs’ method to free company concerning center infield positionsshortstop and second baseoften relies on a mixture of present roster wants, organizational depth of their minor league system, and the general free agent market panorama. Center infield represents an important space of defensive duty, impacting run prevention, double play effectivity, and total group protection. Subsequently, any free agent concentrating on at these positions displays a strategic method to enhancing defensive stability and offensive manufacturing from the center of the lineup.
A number of components affect the Cubs’ decision-making course of. An current organizational power at a selected center infield place would possibly reduce the necessity to pursue high-profile free brokers. As an example, a robust prospect prepared for main league promotion at shortstop might shift free agent focus in direction of second base, or vice-versa. Conversely, a perceived weak spot at each positions would possibly necessitate pursuing a number of free agent targets. The supply of high-quality free brokers in a given 12 months additionally shapes the group’s technique. A sturdy free agent class at shortstop might current a chance to improve considerably, even when the present shortstop is performing adequately. In distinction, a skinny free agent market would possibly encourage inside growth or trades fairly than overpaying for a much less fascinating free agent.
Understanding the Cubs’ center infield wants requires analyzing their current roster composition, evaluating the potential of their minor league prospects, and assessing the caliber of obtainable free brokers. This complicated analysis course of highlights the strategic significance of center infield positions in establishing a aggressive group. A balanced method, contemplating each short-term wants and long-term organizational objectives, is crucial for efficient roster administration and profitable free agent concentrating on within the center infield.
5. Catcher Upgrades
The Chicago Cubs’ analysis of potential catcher upgrades via free company represents a strategic method to enhancing a number of key features of group efficiency. The catcher place holds a novel and multifaceted function, impacting recreation administration, pitching employees efficiency, defensive execution, and offensive contribution. Subsequently, concentrating on a free agent catcher indicators a concentrate on enhancing these crucial areas.
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Defensive Prowess and Recreation Calling
A major consideration when assessing catchers is their defensive ability set, significantly their potential to manage the working recreation, body pitches successfully, and block pitches within the dust. A catcher’s proficiency in these areas straight impacts run prevention and total group protection. Moreover, a catcher’s game-calling talents, their understanding of pitching methods and batter tendencies, considerably affect a pitching employees’s efficiency. A free agent catcher recognized for his or her distinctive defensive abilities and astute recreation calling might considerably enhance the Cubs’ pitching and defensive efficiency.
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Pitching Workers Administration
Past recreation calling, a catcher performs an important function in managing and nurturing a pitching employees. Constructing rapport with pitchers, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and offering priceless in-game suggestions contribute to a pitching employees’s total effectiveness. A veteran free agent catcher with a status for dealing with pitching staffs successfully might convey priceless expertise and management to the Cubs. This intangible impression on pitcher efficiency might be as priceless as quantifiable defensive metrics.
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Offensive Contribution
Whereas defensive abilities and recreation administration are paramount, offensive manufacturing from the catcher place can also be a priceless asset. A free agent catcher able to offering constant offensive contributions, even when not an influence hitter, provides depth and stability to a group’s lineup. For instance, a catcher with a excessive on-base share or a knack for clutch hitting can considerably impression a group’s offensive capabilities. The Cubs would consider a possible free agent catcher’s offensive observe document and projected future efficiency when contemplating an improve.
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Intangibles and Management
The catcher place usually entails a management element, guiding the protection, speaking with the pitching employees, and influencing total group dynamics. A free agent catcher with demonstrated management qualities and a constructive affect on clubhouse tradition might present intangible advantages that reach past on-field efficiency. These management qualities are sometimes extremely valued by groups looking for to enhance group chemistry and total efficiency.
The Cubs’ potential pursuit of a free agent catcher underscores the significance of this multifaceted place. Upgrading at catcher can have a ripple impact, positively influencing pitching efficiency, defensive execution, offensive manufacturing, and group management. The analysis course of entails a complete evaluation of defensive abilities, game-calling acumen, offensive potential, and intangible management qualities. A strategic method to catcher upgrades via free company can considerably contribute to the Cubs’ total success.
6. Veteran Management
Buying veteran management via free company represents a strategic method for the Chicago Cubs, aiming to boost on-field efficiency, information youthful gamers, foster a constructive clubhouse setting, and instill a profitable mentality. Veteran presence can considerably impression group dynamics, significantly throughout difficult intervals or high-pressure conditions. The Cubs’ consideration of veteran free brokers demonstrates an understanding of the intangible worth skilled gamers can convey to a group.
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Mentorship and Participant Growth
Veteran gamers usually function mentors for youthful teammates, offering steerage, sharing experiences, and providing recommendation on navigating the challenges {of professional} baseball. A veteran free agent, having skilled the highs and lows of a serious league profession, can provide invaluable insights to creating gamers. For instance, a veteran infielder might mentor a youthful participant on defensive positioning, hitting approaches, or the psychological features of the sport. This mentorship accelerates participant growth and contributes to long-term group success.
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Affect on Clubhouse Tradition
Veteran presence considerably influences clubhouse dynamics, shaping group tradition, and fostering a constructive and productive setting. Skilled gamers usually set the tone for the group, selling professionalism, accountability, and a profitable mindset. A veteran free agent recognized for his or her constructive affect and management qualities can strengthen group unity and create a extra cohesive clubhouse ambiance. This constructive setting can enhance total group efficiency and resilience throughout difficult instances.
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Navigating Excessive-Strain Conditions
Veteran gamers, having skilled quite a few high-pressure conditions all through their careers, convey a way of calm and composure to crucial moments. Their expertise in dealing with playoff races, essential late-game conditions, and media scrutiny can stabilize a group and forestall youthful gamers from succumbing to strain. A veteran free agent accustomed to performing underneath strain can present invaluable management throughout these moments, guiding the group to success.
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Setting a Profitable Customary
Veterans who’ve skilled championship runs or sustained intervals of success perceive the dedication, work ethic, and a focus to element required to win persistently. They embody a profitable tradition and instill these values of their teammates. A free agent with a historical past of profitable can elevate a group’s expectations, promote a championship mindset, and encourage youthful gamers to try for greatness. This profitable mentality can rework a group’s total method and enhance their possibilities of long-term success.
The Cubs’ concentrate on buying veteran management via free company demonstrates a dedication to constructing a profitable tradition, fostering participant growth, and navigating the challenges of a demanding main league season. Whereas on-field efficiency stays an important issue, the intangible contributions of veteran gamers can considerably impression a group’s trajectory and contribute to sustained success. The strategic acquisition of veteran free brokers is a key element of the Cubs’ total roster development technique and displays their understanding of the multifaceted worth skilled gamers convey to a group. Integrating veteran management with younger expertise creates a balanced roster poised for each speedy competitiveness and long-term development.
7. Monetary Flexibility
Monetary flexibility performs an important function within the Chicago Cubs’ pursuit of free agent targets. The group’s obtainable payroll area dictates the caliber and variety of gamers they will realistically pursue. Efficient administration of present contracts, future wage obligations, and projected income streams straight impacts the Cubs’ potential to compete for top-tier free brokers. A group with restricted monetary flexibility could also be pressured to focus on inexpensive, lower-impact gamers, whereas a group with ample sources can pursue marquee free brokers who can considerably alter a group’s trajectory. As an example, a group exceeding the aggressive stability tax threshold would possibly face limitations on their spending, proscribing their pursuit of high-priced free brokers. Conversely, a group effectively beneath the brink possesses larger monetary flexibility to pursue a number of high-impact gamers. This dynamic considerably influences the free agent panorama and the Cubs’ potential to compete for probably the most fascinating gamers.
Strategic monetary planning is crucial for maximizing flexibility in free company. This contains evaluating present contracts, assessing the potential commerce worth of current gamers, and projecting future wage commitments. For instance, buying and selling a participant with a big contract nearing its finish can unlock vital payroll area for pursuing free brokers. Equally, structuring contracts with deferred funds or performance-based incentives can present short-term monetary reduction whereas probably rewarding gamers for reaching particular objectives. A well-defined price range and a proactive method to contract administration permit the Cubs to navigate the complexities of free company and maximize their possibilities of buying desired targets. Understanding the aggressive panorama and anticipating potential free agent prices is crucial for efficient monetary planning.
The connection between monetary flexibility and free agent concentrating on is inextricably linked. A group’s monetary sources considerably impression the scope and scale of their free agent pursuits. Strategic monetary administration, together with contract negotiations, payroll allocation, and long-term planning, is crucial for maximizing flexibility and buying desired gamers. Efficiently navigating the monetary complexities of free company straight contributes to a group’s potential to construct a aggressive roster and obtain long-term success. Monetary flexibility gives the muse for profitable free agent acquisitions and finally shapes the way forward for the Chicago Cubs.
8. Lengthy-Time period Technique
The Chicago Cubs’ long-term strategic imaginative and prescient considerably influences their method to free agent concentrating on. A concentrate on sustained competitiveness, constructing a core of younger expertise, or pursuing a “win-now” method shapes the sorts of free brokers the group pursues. For instance, a group prioritizing long-term growth would possibly goal youthful free brokers with excessive upside potential, even when they require additional growth on the main league degree. Conversely, a group aiming for speedy rivalry would possibly prioritize established veterans able to contributing instantly, even when their long-term worth is restricted. The free agent market turns into a instrument for executing a broader organizational technique, reflecting the Cubs’ long-term imaginative and prescient and objectives.
Actual-life examples illustrate this connection. A group rebuilding would possibly pursue a free agent recognized for his or her mentorship and management qualities, even when their on-field efficiency is declining, to information youthful gamers and instill a profitable tradition. This kind of acquisition prioritizes long-term growth over speedy outcomes. Conversely, a group poised for rivalry would possibly pursue a high-priced, elite free agent to bolster their possibilities of profitable a championship within the close to time period, even when the contract contains vital long-term monetary danger. These contrasting approaches display how long-term technique dictates free agent concentrating on choices.
Understanding this connection gives priceless perception into the Cubs’ organizational priorities and decision-making processes. Analyzing their free agent acquisitions via the lens of long-term technique reveals the group’s broader objectives and ambitions. Recognizing this hyperlink allows followers, analysts, and different groups to higher perceive the Cubs’ method to roster development and their imaginative and prescient for future success. The long-term technique serves as a tenet, shaping free agent targets and finally figuring out the course of the franchise. Balancing short-term wants with long-term aims is essential for sustained success in Main League Baseball. The Cubs’ free agent targets replicate this delicate stability and supply a window into the group’s overarching technique.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Cubs Free Agent Targets
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the Chicago Cubs’ method to free agent acquisitions.
Query 1: What components affect the Cubs’ free agent targets?
A number of components affect the Cubs’ free agent targets, together with positional wants, budgetary constraints, organizational depth, long-term strategic objectives, and the general free agent market panorama. Balancing these components requires cautious analysis and strategic decision-making.
Query 2: How does the aggressive stability tax (CBT) impression free agent pursuits?
Exceeding the CBT threshold can set off monetary penalties and prohibit a group’s potential to spend freely on free brokers. Managing payroll successfully and staying beneath the CBT threshold gives larger monetary flexibility in pursuing desired targets.
Query 3: What function do participant brokers play in free agent negotiations?
Participant brokers signify the pursuits of free agent gamers, negotiating contracts, and advocating for his or her purchasers’ desired phrases. Negotiations contain discussions between the agent and the group’s entrance workplace, aiming to succeed in a mutually agreeable contract.
Query 4: How do the Cubs consider potential free brokers?
Evaluating potential free brokers entails a complete evaluation of on-field efficiency metrics, medical historical past, character assessments, and projected future contributions. Statistical evaluation, scouting reviews, and background checks inform these evaluations.
Query 5: What’s the significance of long-term contracts in free company?
Lengthy-term contracts provide monetary safety to gamers whereas offering groups with price certainty and roster stability. Nonetheless, long-term offers carry inherent dangers, akin to declining participant efficiency or potential accidents. Balancing danger and reward is crucial in negotiating long-term contracts.
Query 6: How do free agent signings impression group chemistry and clubhouse dynamics?
Integrating new gamers into an current clubhouse can considerably impression group chemistry and dynamics. Profitable integration requires efficient communication, management, and a shared dedication to group objectives. The entrance workplace and training employees play essential roles in facilitating constructive group integration.
Cautious consideration of those continuously requested questions gives priceless perception into the complexities of free company and the strategic issues concerned in constructing a profitable baseball group.
Additional evaluation of particular free agent targets and potential roster implications will present a extra complete understanding of the Cubs’ method to free company.
Suggestions for Analyzing Potential Chicago Cubs Free Agent Targets
Evaluating potential free agent acquisitions for the Chicago Cubs requires cautious consideration of assorted components. The next suggestions present a framework for knowledgeable evaluation.
Tip 1: Prioritize Positional Wants: Objectively assess the group’s roster and establish areas requiring speedy enchancment. Concentrate on positions the place a free agent acquisition can considerably improve present efficiency. As an example, if the beginning rotation struggles with consistency, prioritizing beginning pitching in free company turns into a logical technique.
Tip 2: Consider Participant Efficiency Metrics: Analyze related statistics to gauge a participant’s potential contribution. Think about metrics akin to ERA for pitchers, OPS+ for hitters, and defensive WAR for fielders. Contextualize these metrics inside the participant’s previous efficiency and projected future trajectory.
Tip 3: Think about Age and Harm Historical past: Age and damage historical past present insights right into a participant’s sturdiness and potential for future efficiency. A participant with a historical past of recurring accidents presents a better danger than a participant with a clear medical document. Balancing potential contribution with damage danger is crucial.
Tip 4: Assess Contract Calls for and Market Worth: Analysis a participant’s anticipated contract calls for and examine them to their perceived market worth. Overpaying for a free agent can prohibit future roster flexibility. An economical method balances expertise acquisition with monetary prudence.
Tip 5: Analyze Match Inside Crew Dynamics: Think about how a possible free agent’s character, enjoying type, and management qualities align with the present group tradition. A disruptive character or a participant who clashes with the supervisor can negatively impression group efficiency.
Tip 6: Undertaking Lengthy-Time period Impression: Consider a free agent’s potential impression past the speedy future. Think about how the acquisition aligns with the group’s long-term strategic objectives. A brief-term repair may not align with a group centered on sustained, long-term competitiveness.
Tip 7: Monitor Market Developments: Keep knowledgeable about different groups’ free agent pursuits and market tendencies. Understanding the aggressive panorama for a selected participant permits for extra knowledgeable decision-making and lifelike expectations.
Using the following tips gives a structured method to analyzing potential Chicago Cubs free agent targets. A complete analysis course of improves the chance of profitable acquisitions and contributes to constructing a aggressive roster.
By understanding the important thing components influencing free agent choices, one positive factors priceless perception into the complexities of roster development and the pursuit of championship rivalry. This framework units the stage for a concluding evaluation of the Chicago Cubs’ free company outlook.
Conclusion
Evaluation of potential Chicago Cubs free agent targets requires a multifaceted method. Evaluating positional wants, assessing participant efficiency, contemplating monetary constraints, and aligning acquisitions with long-term strategic objectives are essential parts of efficient roster development. Understanding the complexities of the free agent market, together with participant valuations, contract negotiations, and aggressive bidding, gives priceless context for decoding the Cubs’ choices. Balancing the pursuit of speedy enhancements with long-term sustainability is a central problem in navigating free company efficiently. The strategic allocation of sources and the mixing of latest expertise into an current roster considerably affect a group’s trajectory.
The last word success of free agent acquisitions hinges on a confluence of things, together with participant efficiency, group chemistry, and unexpected circumstances akin to accidents. Whereas thorough evaluation and strategic planning improve the likelihood of profitable outcomes, inherent uncertainties stay. The pursuit of free brokers represents a calculated danger, a strategic funding in the way forward for the Chicago Cubs. Cautious analysis, knowledgeable decision-making, and a dedication to long-term imaginative and prescient place the Cubs to navigate the free agent panorama successfully and construct a aggressive group able to sustained success.
