Rumors: Cubs Interested in Gibson, Bringing Back Candelario

The Chicago Cubs are expected to be an active team in this winter's free agent market. That said, it doesn't mean every signing or addition is going to be a Juan Soto or Shohei Ohtani level player. The team will certainly fill out the roster with other strategic additions that improve the club on multiple levels. According to a recent report from George Ofman, the Cubs are examining that exact scenario. Although the big fishes like Cody Bellinger, and the aforementioned Soto and Ohtani are certainly on Jed Hoyer's mind, it appears some other solid names are there as well. 

Ofman's report links the Cubs to free agent RHP Kyle Gibson, who is coming off a solid season with the Baltimore Orioles. Gibson was a pitcher on the Cubs' radar in the past, as the team was linked to the pitcher before he ultimately signed in Texas before the 2020 season. Nonetheless, Gibson is the type of pitcher that fits the Cubs structure on the field, and would be a nice addition given the likely loss of Marcus Stroman in the rotation this winter.  

With the Orioles last season, Gibson was 15-9 with a 4.73 ERA. As the workhorse he is, he made 33 starts in 2023 while racking up 157 strikeouts compared to just 55 walks. Surely Gibson would also benefit from working in the pitch lab, which could help further lower that walk number. Keep in mind, 55 walks over 192.0 innings of work is still an impressive number. 

In addition, it appears the Cubs want to keep the player they traded two prospects for at last season's trade deadline. Jeimer Candelario is reportedly a player the Cubs want to bring back. The fit makes sense. With Christopher Morel now being tested at first base, Candelario is a great backup plan there, while also being a serviceable third baseman. Although his stint with the Cubs started off hot before rapidly cooling off, he's an addition that makes the team better without shelling out big dollars that could be used on the marquee names in free agency. 

Candelario finished the season with a .251/.336/.471 slash line to accompany 22 home runs and 70 RBIs. In his 41-game stretch with the Cubs, Candelario slashed .234/.318/.445 with six home runs and just 17 RBIs. He benefited from hitting in the middle of Washington's order during the first half, but if he does return, he shouldn't cost an arm and a leg given his production. 

Worth noting, the Cubs will certainly not stop at names like Candelario and Gibson this offseason. They'll surely check in on all the big free agents, while also being active in the trade market. The offseason is far from over, and the Cubs are expected to be one of the most active teams in the coming weeks and months.