Chicago Cubs encouraged to sign still-available free agent slugger

The Chicago Cubs acquired Tyler Austin this past offseason for the explicit purpose of being the designated right-handed-hitting relief for first baseman Michael Busch. Before the spring even got into full swing, however, Austin went down with a knee injury requiring surgery and months of recovery.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matthew Boyd speaks on Opening Day gig as contract uncertainty looms

The bad news has sent the Cubs scrambling for a backup at first base.

Catcher Miguel Amaya has been getting some reps there. Matt Shaw recently made his career debut at first. There’s been talk of rookie DH and backup catcher Moises Ballesteros getting some playing time at the position. Even veteran non-roster spring training invitee Michael Conforto has been mentioned as a possible first base backup. Jonathon Long, the Cubs’ top first base prospect, is also a possibility, but the feeling seems to be that Chicago would prefer to see him back in Triple-A Iowa where he can develop further as an every day player.

Realistically, the Cubs don’t absolutely need a high-end backup to Busch. The team seems ok with letting him see more left-handed pitching. But injuries do happen and even a fully locked-in Busch would benefit from the occasional day off.

A last-minute roster addition?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Rival scout labels Cubs rookie a future “RBI machine”

Chris Landers of Fansided recently speculated that the Cubs could find the ideal first base backup in the form of veteran Wilmer Flores, who remains a free agent and is reportedly dead set on holding out for a major league contract.

The 34-year-old veteran was mostly used as a DH last year with the San Francisco Giants, but also played 208 innings at first base and 9 innings at third. He hit .241 with 16 home runs in 419 at bats in 2015.

Per Landers:

“Speaking of righty bench bats: The Cubs figure to be back in the market for one, after offseason acquisition Tyler Austin — penciled in as the righty counterpart to Michael Busch at first base and/or Moises Ballesteros at DH — underwent knee surgery that will keep him out until at least the summer. Chicago can try to just get by until then, but they could also look at Flores, who intends to continue his career after six seasons in San Francisco.

Flores is a limited player at this point in his career, but one thing he’s always been able to do is crush left-handed pitching. If Chicago needs someone to fill the Justin Turner role on the cheap until Austin returns, Jed Hoyer could do a lot worse.”

Does it make sense?

The 13-year major league veteran could be a viable roster option who might come at a very reasonable price. Last season, Flores made $3.5 million and he stands to make less than that this coming year if/when he’s picked up by somebody. The general feeling is that he’s too good of a hitter to not be signed eventually.

Adding Flores could push utility man Shaw back to more familiar positions. It could also eliminate the need for a fourth outfielder as Shaw could get some time in that spot, especially with Flores being able to play some third base in a pinch.

If brought in this late, he probably wouldn’t be able to start the reason with the rest of the team. But maybe a May Cubs debut for Flores could be in the cards.

It’s certainly something worth considering ahead of big 2026.

The post Chicago Cubs encouraged to sign still-available free agent slugger appeared first on ChiCitySports.