Chicago Cubs: A perfect offseason blueprint to win in 2019

Step Four: Make a splash in free agency

The Cubs don’t lack star power. Everyone knows that.

But there’s obviously something missing. And that something just might be another star.

The Cubs’ lineup was extremely inconsistent in 2018. The amount of shutouts was abysmal. The addition of one premier free agent can change everything.

Two players are set to hit the free agent market. Two perennial All-Stars. Two franchise-changing players.

At the top of the Cubs list should be Bryce Harper. One of baseball’s prized possessions, Harper is the type of player that’ll transform a franchise for the better.

Harper would instantly move into right field, and likely hit cleanup in what would be a loaded Cubs lineup. Harper’s power presence, as well as his energy and star power would be a major, indescribable boost for the Cubs.

If Harper doesn’t work out, the Cubs must focus their resources towards Manny Machado. The All-Star shortstop is set to hit free agency after multiple MVP-caliber seasons with Baltimore and now Los Angeles.

Machado would join Kris Bryant, Javy Baez and Anthony Rizzo in what would easily be baseball’s best infield. All four players could hit over 30 home runs while playing the best defense in Cubs franchise history.

Neither of the two will be cheap, as $300-million plus paydays are expected. However, the Cubs would be foolish to pass up on the opportunity to add one of baseball’s best players to one of the most loaded teams in the league.