Cubs Lose Out on Free Agent to the White Sox?

Huh, didn’t see the Cubs losing out on free agents to the White Sox, but also this makes total sense for utility infielder and sometimes corner outfielder Josh Rojas. The Cubs were recently linked to Rojas, who did seem like the perfect backup infielder for the team heading into the 2025 season. However, the veteran opted to sign a one-year deal with the White Sox instead.

White Sox beat reporter Scott Merkin first reported the deal on Thursday.

White Sox agree to one-year deal with Josh Rojas, a source confirms to https://t.co/G34Or1gtT9: https://t.co/qgaQzYubMd

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) January 2, 2025

As we discussed when Rojas was officially on the Cubs’ radar, his role would primarily be insurance at third base in case Matt Shaw struggled or even be used in a platoon-type role, while also covering second base. Nico Hoerner’s status is up in the air after he had offseason surgery, so signing Rojas would have given the Cubs a solid backup infielder.

Yet, you can’t force players to sign with you and if you take a look at the rebuilding White Sox, you’ll notice that Rojas has a much easier path toward regular playing time in their infield. Plus, if Rojas does end up having a decent few months on the south side, he could end up playing for a contender anyway if he’s traded in the summer.

As for the Cubs, they’ll have to look elsewhere for their utility-man. This one does sting a bit because Rojas checked a lot of the boxes that Cubs were searching for, but it doesn’t mean the club can’t find another solution.

(Previous Update)

The Chicago Cubs are in the market for another versatile player and they’re reportedly one of a handful of teams showing serious interest in free agent infielder Josh Rojas. No, this wouldn’t be a flashy pickup, but in terms of filling roster needs Rojas seems like the ideal candidate for the Cubs’ bench in 2025.

Who knows, maybe this is more media manipulation from Rojas’ side, but it still makes perfect sense. The Cubs need an established backup infielder who at the minimum can fill in when guys need a day off and because of Nico Hoerner’s offseason surgery, give the Cubs solid cover if Hoerner or any other infielder has to miss time because of injury.

Rojas, 30, made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019, and while you won’t confuse him as a great player, the left-handed batter has put together a decent career and is coming off a productive year with the Seattle Mariners.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand specifically named the Cubs as one of Rojas’ suitors in free agency on Monday.

The Cubs are among the teams showing serious interest in INF Josh Rojas, per source. Rojas had a 2.2 bWAR in 142 games for the Mariners last season, starting 106 games at 3B. He has started mostly at 2B and 3B during his career, but can also play SS and both corner OF spots.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 30, 2024

The Cubs traded Isaac Paredes earlier in December, leaving third base open for the team heading into the 2025 season. Top prospect Matt Shaw will have a shot to earn regular playing time at the hot corner, but you’d obviously love to have some insurance on the bench.

Aside from Shaw insurance, the Cubs would ideally want a better backup infielder than their current depth options. The Cubs just traded for Vidal Bruján, adding him to the bench mix that also includes Miles Mastrobuoni, Luis Vázquez, Gage Workman and Ben Cowles.

Rojas recorded a 91 wRC+ in 476 plate appearances with the Mariners in 2024. Overall he was a below average hitter, but when used against right-handed pitching Rojas was much more productive. Facing righties, Rojas slashed .240/.318/.370, a 104 wRC+ in 409 plate appearances.

He’s not going to be spectacular at the plate, even throughout his career Rojas has only put up a 95 wRC+ vs. RHP, but in a backup role you’ll take that production if his defense remains consistent. He posted 7 defensive runs saved at third base in 2024, while also contributing 2 defensive runs saved at second base. Maybe you wouldn’t want Rojas filling in at shortstop, but at least he’s had prior MLB experience at the position during his time with Arizona.

Rojas has also started 78 games in the outfield at the major-league level.

The Cubs are looking for a lefty bat and Rojas does appear like the perfect candidate for them. His best season came in 2022, when he slashed .269/.349/.391, a 109 wRC+ and 2.5 fWAR. He’s not going to hit for much power, he had 8 home runs in 2024, 11 is his career high in 2021, but Rojas does have a good approach, carrying a career 10 percent walk rate.

The Mariners non-tendered Rojas back in November, making him a free agent. He was projected to earn $4.3 million in 2025. Maybe he’s looking for a similar salary and the Cubs, as well as other interested teams, are balking at the price.

I’m in on Rojas. He’d be a clear upgrade over Mastrobuoni and Bruján, while the other guys just don’t have the experience to warrant a bench role to begin the 2025 season on the Cubs.