The Chicago Cubs made a significant splash this offseason by hiring Craig Counsell away from their division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, with the largest managerial contract in MLB history—$40 million over five years. This move was intended to reset the managerial market and position the Cubs as frontrunners in the NL Central. However, the Cubs’ performance in 2024 has not matched the high expectations set by this bold decision.
Despite narrowly missing the playoffs in 2023, the Cubs are struggling even more this year. Although general manager Jed Hoyer managed to re-sign Cody Bellinger, secure Shota Imanaga, and trade for Isaac Paredes, these moves have not been enough to push the team above .500 or into the Wild Card race. The National League remains relatively weak, which leaves a slim chance for a late-season run, but the postseason seems unlikely.
Counsell, once hailed as one of baseball’s top minds, has faced significant frustration from Cubs fans this season. His reputation from his time in Milwaukee has taken a hit as he struggles to manage the Cubs’ bullpen and revamp a struggling offense. While some personnel issues are beyond Counsell’s control, the substantial investment in him contrasts sharply with the team’s underperformance this season. This raises questions about whether the funds spent on Counsell could have been better allocated toward strengthening the roster.
Here are three cost-effective free agents the Cubs overlooked, any of whom might have provided better value than Counsell’s $8 million annual salary:
1. Erick Fedde
After a stint in Korea’s KBO, Erick Fedde returned to the MLB on a two-year, $15 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. He proved to be a reliable starter, boasting a 3.11 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 21 starts before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite some late-season struggles, Fedde’s performance with the White Sox showed he could have bolstered the Cubs’ pitching depth. With a solid 1-2 punch already in place, Fedde’s addition could have provided the Cubs with an additional dependable starter.
2. Tommy Pham
Tommy Pham signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the White Sox after his impactful postseason run with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite facing challenging circumstances with a struggling White Sox lineup, Pham delivered solid offensive production. His 36-year-old form still offered reliable pop and experience, which the Cubs’ offense sorely needed. Pham’s presence could have added valuable depth and slugging to the Cubs’ lineup.
3. Michael Lorenzen
The Texas Rangers signed Michael Lorenzen to a bargain one-year, $4.5 million contract despite his 2023 All-Star season. Lorenzen’s performance, split between the Rangers and the Kansas City Royals, has been strong. With a 3.68 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 22 games, Lorenzen’s potential as either a starter or a high-quality bullpen arm would have been a significant asset for the Cubs. His contract was a steal for a pitcher of his caliber and could have bolstered Chicago’s thin bullpen.
As the Cubs continue to navigate a challenging season, the decision to invest heavily in Counsell rather than addressing roster needs with these more affordable options remains a point of contention.