Would the Cubs find a spot for a bounce-back hitter like Paul Goldschmidt?

It’s almost impossible for this to actually work, but I want to talk it through in my head – and since you’re here with me, I’ll just type it as I think it.

We’ve already talked about the crazy version in which the Cubs add a bat by moving that bat to first base, moving Michael Busch to second base and trading Nico Hoerner. Lots of moving parts – parts that make a lot of assumptions and also ignore Matt Shaw – so it sure seems unlikely. We dream about it because it’s one of the few ways the Cubs could bring in a star-level bat even after Cody Bellinger returns, but it’s remote not only because of all those moving parts, but also because of the number of Star limited is deliver. Even if you try to land one, other teams try too.

That got me thinking about other bats the Cubs could add that weren’t necessarily star-level and wouldn’t necessarily need all those moving parts.

For example, what if the hitter you add isn’t a Pete Alonso (long-term contract) or Vlad Guerrero Jr. (must start every day) type? What if you added a guy to start? only sometimesIs there a power bat available off the bench in the other cases, and then you can use Busch as a left-handed replacement at second and third base on the days he’s initially out? If you could do this, you would definitely have a better chance of maximizing your lineup and squad.

As the title suggests, everything was initiated by Paul Goldschmidt. He took a big step back from his monstrous 2022 campaign (.317/.404/.578/175 wRC+) in 2023 (.268/.363/.447/122 wRC+) and then took an even further step back in 2024 (.245/.302/.414/100 wRC+). He’s now 37 years old, and I’m not sure he can expect a secure entry-level job anywhere. In any case, there’s no way he’s going to get a big contract, and I think teams would be wise to consider him as a potentially very good supplemental player at this point.

Still, the guy still has power, seems to have had a bit of bad luck with his batted ball luck last year, still runs the bases well and plays good defense to begin with. And even in his overall down year, Goldschmidt still beat lefties (.295/.366/.473/134 wRC+).

In a world where Paul Goldschmidt has to settle for a cheap one-year deal and a part-time job, is it so crazy to think of him for the Cubs? Cody Bellinger’s return certainly brings some momentum, but he’ll play primarily in the outfield, and while he can also handle lefties well, it’s not necessarily a choice between him and Goldschmidt given the DH spot and rest days. So having a guy like Goldschmidt means that Busch gets days off against strong lefties, Nico Hoerner and Isaac Paredes get regular breaks thanks to Busch, on other days a big player sits on the bench and it’s just additional power coverage, If anything were to happen, Busch, Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki would be injured. And if the Cubs actually move Cody Bellinger, that becomes even more plausible, if not downright advisable.

You may be wondering to what extent adding another veteran would lock up available Cubs prospects. That’s totally fine, and I think I probably ultimately agree that this is a problem if Bellinger isn’t dealt with. On the other hand, the guys you’re talking about – mainly Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcántara and Moises Ballesteros – all offer something completely different (positional, or left-handed, or everyday starter at a non-Goldschmidt spot) as Goldschmidt. I’m not really sure how many at-bats he would take away from these four candidates in a backup/bench role.

So. Huh. Somehow I talked myself into it a little more than I thought I would. I’m still not sure it works for a few reasons – the prospects thing makes me think, and the idea that one could assume Busch would be capable at second and third base is perhaps a reach – but I like the idea There is an additional knocker available on the right side. Maybe the Cubs just have to hope that Alexander Canario can be that guy, and given his presence on the 40-man roster and lack of minor league options, he makes perfect sense on paper right now.

Maybe if Goldschmidt’s market softens, and maybe if Bellinger is dealt, and maybe if the Cubs decide they really just want another veteran slugger with power. I would call it unlikely, but not impossible. Like I said, it was all about my brain today.