Cubs Eyeing Shohei Ohtani in Offseason

Cody Bellinger Likely to Leave as Team Looks to Fill Other Positions

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly interested in signing Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award.
The Cubs have payroll coming off the books, leaving money for a massive deal. They were under the luxury tax threshold in 2023, making it less undesirable to exceed it.
Cody Bellinger, who had a successful 2023 season with the Cubs, is likely to leave the team. Multiple sources think the Cubs are more likely to sign Ohtani than bring Bellinger back on his own massive deal.
The Cubs have other holes to fill, including potentially at first and third base, as well as its starting pitching. They can dip down into their farm system for a trade, if necessary.
The Cubs are also reportedly interested in Japanese pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga.