A Few MLB Execs Believe Cubs Will Do the Unthinkable

A recent survey of anonymous MLB execs yielded interested results and by that I mean a few of them actually picked the Cubs to sign a top free agent this offseason. Yeah, we're at the point where the Cubs signing any of the best players available is unthinkable.

Every report discussing the Cubs' offseason plans have sadly given fans a miserable outlook for the winter. Sure, there are several moves the team can make to improve the team and they'll be exploring trades as well, but expecting a top free agent is simply not in the cards. Yet, a couple MLB execs still believe the Cubs do the unthinkable.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers asked 18 executives from around the league about top free agents and trade candidates. Not many, but it's still surprising to me that the Cubs received votes on two different free agent pitchers.

Via ESPN.

Where will the top three free agent aces with MLB experience sign?

Survey says: Corbin Burnes: Mets 7, Red Sox 2, Orioles 2, Dodgers 2, Rangers 1, Cubs 1, Giants 1

Blake Snell: Giants 7, Phillies 4, Blue Jays 2, Reds 1, Mets 1, Red Sox 1

Max Fried: Mets 4, Dodgers 2, Giants 2, Cubs 2, Braves 2, Red Sox 2, Reds 1, Rangers 1, Orioles 1

So, two of the 18 anonymous execs think the Cubs will sign Atlanta Braves free agent Max Fried and one of them thinks the top-rated pitching free agent, Corbin Burnes, will go to the Cubs.

Rogers shared the lone voter's thoughts on Burnes to the Cubs and then reminded everyone of the team's intentions this offseason.

The voter who picked Burnes going to the Cubs thought a reunion with Craig Counsell made a lot of sense, but Chicago has indicated it won't be swimming in that end of the free agency pool.

That reasoning, Burnes being close with his former skipper and current Cubs manager Craig Counsell, was in line with Bob Nightengale's jaw-dropping prediction from earlier in November.

Max Fried to the Cubs is at least a bit more realistic as his contract projections range from 5-6 years for $140 million to $156 million. Interestingly enough, three of four MLBTR writers predicted Fried would end up signing with the Cubs at the start of free agency. However, that was before reports began to surface, indicating the Cubs would not be aiming that high in the free-agent market.