Cubs Rumors: Andre Dawson Hall-of-Fame controversy
One Chicago Cubs legend is currently making a push to have his Hall of Fame plaque changed.
Former outfielder Andre Dawson played six seasons of his MLB career with the North Siders. However, when he was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, he did not get to choose which team's hat he would wear on his plaque.
Instead, the Hall of Fame chose to put him in a Montreal Expos cap. For years, Dawson has tried to get the Hall of Fame to change his plaque to show him in a Cubs cap. Unfortunately, he may not get what he wants. In fact, he doesn't even expect the Hall of Fame to even entertain the idea, per ESPN:
"I don't expect them to jump on something like this," said Dawson. "If they elect to respond, they'll take their time. And it wouldn't surprise me if they don't respond."
Clearly, Dawson doesn't feel great about his chances of getting his plaque changed. Dawson played 11 years in Montreal in addition to his six years in Chicago. He also spent two years in his native South Florida with the then-Florida Marlins and two years with the Boston Red Sox.
Cubs Rumors: Craig Counsell connection could help with Josh Hader
There may be another Padres connection for the Cubs this offseason beyond Juan Soto.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Cubs could be in a position to try and add some back-end relief help, namely Josh Hader. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has also linked the Cubs to the veteran closer.
With Craig Counsell now the manager of the Cubs, a Hader signing isn't out of the realm of possibility by any means. Counsell was Hader's manager during the latter's time with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Chicago already has a solid option in Adbert Alzolay at the closer spot. The young right-hander saved 22 games during the regular season. However, it certainly wouldn't hurt for the Cubs to try and make a move for Hader.
Hader is obviously very familiar with the NL Central, and has had plenty of success at Wrigley Field specifically, having thrown 20 scoreless innings.
With that in mind, Hader would be an excellent addition for a young Cubs team that is looking to take the next step and emerge as a contender. It would also be a solid move to counter the rival St. Louis Cardinals, who recently inked Sonny Gray.
Cubs Rumors: The latest on Juan Soto trade
Juan Soto was acquired by the San Diego Padres back in 2022 at the trade deadline. San Diego had to give up top prospects Mackenzie Gore and C.J. Abrams in that deal.
Less than two years later, Soto is once again on the trading block, with several teams showing interest in the young slugger. Mike Petriello of MLB.com made a list of teams who could be good fits for Soto this offseason if he is traded. The Cubs were listed as one of them.
Petriello notes that because both Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman are currently free agents, the Cubs have a little extra payroll space this winter. Chicago continues to be linked to Shohei Ohtani, and Petriello further notes that if Bellinger ends up walking in free agency, the Cubs will need to shop for another high-profile bat.
The options are thin on the free agent market, so they may have to ultimately turn to the trade market. Fortunately, as Petriello points out, Chicago has a very well-rounded farm system with players that could be used as pieces for them to make a deal with the Padres for their young slugger.
