The Top 2026 Cubs Batters Entering Free Agency

The Chicago Cubs had a dangerous offense in 2026, but the Cubs' free agent batters could change that. Chicago's pitching staff has multiple free agents and is controlling the narrative. However, their outfield is set to lose nearly as much as the rotation. If Chicago wants to bounce back in 2027, it needs to improve the roster, and that starts with the Cubs' free agent batters.

Without a doubt, Seiya Suzuki is the biggest Cubs free agent batter. The right fielder is not only the team's top free agent , but one of the best hitters available. This season, he hit .270 with 26 home runs and 86 RBI. Suzuki vastly improved his defense and is a Gold Glove finalist.

Over the past five seasons with the Cubs, Suzuki hit .269 with 113 home runs. He has been one of their best power bats and a valuable piece of the lineup. One of the Cubs' biggest needs , as four players are leaving. Losing Suzuki would leave a major gap in the team's lineup. Unfortunately, if the Cubs wish to keep him, they will need to enter a bidding war. Several teams will show interest, and he will be expensive. Chicago has the money to keep him, but it is hard to say if they want to give another hitter a large contract. He should be their top offensive priority, but his future with the Cubs is very hard to predict.

Speaking of the outfield situation, Ian Happ will be a free agent. This means the Cubs may lose their two starting corner outfielders. Happ should be cheaper, but his struggles this past season make it hard to pay much for him.

Happ is still an elite defender who can provide 20 home runs a season. However, his batting average is no longer as solid as it used to be. Many believe he may have played his last game with the Cubs . Unless he takes a large hometown discount, I have trouble seeing the Cubs pay enough to keep him. He has had a great career in Chicago, and of all the Cubs free agents, he may be the hardest to say goodbye to.

Michael Conforto was brought in as a solid depth piece and was exactly that. The veteran had a .240 batting average, 15 home runs, and 45 RBI. Although he had some quality starts, his best moments came as a pinch hitter. When the team needed a crazy comeback, Conforto seemed to be involved.

It will be interesting to see what Conforto can get in the open market. I don't see him being too expensive, but a team could give him a solid payday, hoping he reverts to the player he used to be. If he is willing to platoon, it would be great to see him back as a depth outfielder. It just feels like he could get a bigger role/more money elsewhere.

Of the Cubs free agent batters, Tyrone Taylor is one of the harder ones to predict. Chicago acquired him in the Clay Holmes trade, and he exceeded expectations. In Chicago, he hit .351 and destroyed left-handed pitchers. His versatility at all three outfield positions made him a great depth piece. He was here less than the other three, but still gave the Cubs solid moments.

The same issue with Conforto arises here. Other teams may offer to give him a starting role and/or more money. He looked great when in Chicago, but I don't know if the Cubs saw enough to give him a large payday. Taylor could be a great depth piece, but once again, he seems destined for a larger role. Bringing back at least one of Taylor/Conforto could be a huge piece in stabilizing the Cubs outfield.

Tyler Austin is the least known of the Cubs free agent batters. He signed last offseason as Michael Busch 's backup. Austin then missed the entire season with a knee injury. He was rarely discussed, and it's impossible to say how the coaching staff feels about him. If it was a minimum-level deal, Chicago could explore bringing him back. However, the Cubs will likely look elsewhere for more proven talent.

The Last Word on the Cubs Free Agent Batters

The list of Cubs free agent batters isn't as lengthy as the pitching free agents, but it's a critical storyline. The outfield could look entirely different. Ideally, they could bring back one of the starters and one backup, but that depends on how free agency plays out. Besides catcher, the team's other starting positions are full. Chicago has the talent, so filling the outfield is crucial to return to the playoffs.

Main Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images