There were 13 more players non-tendered this offseason who were eligible for arbitration than there were last year and if the Cubs don't want to spend a lot of money in free agency fine, (still going to be mad about it) but that doesn't mean they can't find inexpensive players who'd upgrade their team in 2020.
Here are five non-tendered players who are now free agents that the Cubs should pursue.
Blake Treinen - Reliever
The Cubs need another high-leverage reliever in the bullpen and you can make the argument that Blake Treinen is the most sought-after reliever in free agency now that he was non-tendered by the A's.
Yes, Treinen was bad in 2019, (4.91 ERA in 58.2 IP) but if you're the Cubs you can certainly bet on him being good again. I mean, he's just one year removed from having a 0.78 ERA with Oakland in 80.1 innings in 2018. From 2014-18, the righty had a 2.64 ERA.
Obvious choice to pursue and his market is quickly growing.
Cesar Hernandez - 2B
Another guy who had a down 2019 season, but has a track record of being a solid player. Cesar Hernandez, 29, has a career .352 OBP (higher than Whit Merrifield) and before this past year it was nearly at .370 in three seasons combined.
I mean, it's not that I don't like Merrifield, but the possible asking price from the Royals to acquire him makes me wary. Why risk losing a few good prospects when a guy who's had similar production is available for just money.
Kevin Pillar - Center Fielder
In a surprise, the Giants non-tendered center fielder Kevin Pillar and I'm not saying the Cubs should go and get him to be their starter every day in center. No. However, Pillar still plays good defense and has a long track record of hitting left-handed pitching. He's what Albert Almora Jr. should be, but he's actually produced for a long period of time and his defense isn't limited to making diving catches on balls that better defenders make without leaving their feet in the outfield. Would make a good platoon guy in center.
Kevin Gausman - Reliever
I have zero interest in Kevin Gausman the starter, but two thumbs up on Kevin Gausman the reliever. He throws in the mid to upper 90s and showed some glimpse of success out of the Reds' bullpen to end the 2019 season, posting a 3.10 ERA in 20.1 innings. Worth a shot as a buy-low option for the Cubs bullpen.
Jose Peraza - Infield Backup
Another player non-tendered by the Reds was infielder Jose Peraza. The 25-year-old can provide the Cubs with an actual decent backup to Javier Báez at shortstop and fill in at second base. Plenty of upside in Peraza, who slashed .288/.326/.416, with 14 home runs in 2018 with the Reds. Doesn't strikeout much, doesn't walk much either, but the right-handed hitter makes a lot of contact and would be a perfect candidate to be the last guy on the roster.
