The Chicago Cubs will definitely need to address their outfield this offseason, and Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller thinks he has the answer for the squad.
Miller recently published a set of way-too-early free agency projections looking ahead to the winter that will follow the 2026 season, and one prediction in particular should catch the attention of every Cubs fan.
Miller forecasts that the North Siders will land outfielder Randy Arozarena on a five-year contract worth $97.5 million.
The timing of the projection makes sense from a Cubs perspective. Chicago is already staring at significant outfield turnover after the 2026 campaign, with both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki heading toward free agency.
That looming vacancy creates a natural opening for a proven, everyday contributor who can handle left field while providing the kind of middle-of-the-order production the club has long sought. Arozarena, a Cuban native who has built a reputation for toughness and consistency, fits the profile almost perfectly.
At 31 years old and entering what would be his age-32 season in 2027, Arozarena continues to deliver the dual-threat skills that have defined his career.
He is on pace for a sixth consecutive season of at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, a rare combination of power and speed that few free agents can match.
His 2026 numbers have been especially encouraging, with a batting average near .285, a strong on-base percentage, and an OPS that sits among the better marks of his career. He has also shown the durability that front offices value, appearing on track for another season of 140-plus games.
Miller notes that some clubs may hesitate because of Arozarena’s age and the gradual decline sometimes seen in defensive metrics for corner outfielders. Yet those concerns are balanced by the reality that he remains one of the more complete position players available in the upcoming class.
The projected contract would place him in a similar financial neighborhood to recent contracts signed by players of comparable impact, reflecting both his track record and the scarcity of reliable offensive contributors who can also run.
For the Cubs, the appeal goes beyond the numbers. Adding Arozarena would allow the organization to maintain continuity in the outfield while injecting a player known for his postseason pedigree and competitive fire.
Chicago has spent recent years trying to assemble a roster capable of sustained contention, and securing a free agent of this caliber would signal a clear intention to keep pushing rather than resetting. With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire in early December 2026 and the possibility of a lockout looming, early commitments could become more common.
A deal of this size and length would represent a meaningful statement by the Cubs front office that they are prepared to invest in proven talent when the right opportunity arises.
Of course, free agency predictions made months in advance are inherently speculative. Market forces, competing offers, and the eventual state of the CBA will all influence where Arozarena ultimately lands.
