How Chicago Cubs could fill outfield vacancies without free agency splurge

The Chicago Cubs’ biggest priority over the offseason is figuring out their pitching rotation. But the franchise may need a complete makeover in the outfield as well.

Both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are now free agents. The Cubs may try to bring one or both back. But the outfielders will be two of the more coveted hitters on the market. If Chicago is serious about signing Tarik Skubal, they may be priced out of where Suzuki and Happ are expected to sign.

The Cubs won’t neglect their offense in free agency. While offense may be Chicago’s strength, they aren’t looking to downgrade in that department. If Suzuki and/or Happ will depart, the franchise will search for suitable replacements.

Chicago’s first step in finding any potential outfield replacements may come from inside the organization. Four names immediately stand out as options.

Chicago Cubs’ outfield options

As it stands, the four most likely options to take over in corner outfield appear to be Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramirez, Kevin Alcantara and Josiah Hartshorn, via Max Ralph of MLB.com.

“The Cubs have a clear need for starting pitching and will prioritize building their rotation this offseason,” Ralph wrote. “Happ and Suzuki, meanwhile, will profile as two of the better hitting options in a relatively thin market. Considering the strong core present in the Cubs lineup, reunions with either corner outfielder, let alone both, are uncertain.”

Shaw has played all over the diamond over his first two major league seasons, predominantly at third base. But he does have 34 games of experience in the outfield. Furthermore, Shaw has hit .230 with 18 home runs, 68 RBIs and 21 stolen bases over 203 total games.

Ramirez made his MLB debut in 2026, appearing in 80 games. He hit .261 with six home runs, 32 RBIs and nine stolen bases. Alcantara has been with the Cubs for three seasons, appearing in 37 games. The outfielder has hit .280 with a home run, seven RBIs and stolen bases.

Hartshorn is currently Chicago’s top prospect, via MLB Pipeline. In his professional debut, the infielder/outfielder hit .284 with 23 home runs, 112 RBIs and seven stolen bases. Jumping from Double-A to MLB would be quite the leap. But Hartshorn is at least on the Cubs’ radar.

The franchise will first see what happens with Suzuki and Happ. If they’re forced to make changes in the outfield, any of these four names could get the first crack.

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