The Chicago Cubs went out and brought in rival Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell to manage their team ahead of the 2024 season. Chicago took several other steps toward becoming contenders, but it ultimately wasn’t enough, as the team failed to win the NL Central and ended up on their couches when the playoffs rolled around.

Now they have all winter to improve their squad. Whether it’s bringing back some of their own free agents or adding some of the big names available, Chicago needs to make moves to compete with the Brewers in the NL Central. They need to take steps to compete with the Dodgers, Phillies, Padres and Braves in NL.

Here are the next three free agents Chicago needs to target this offseason to win the 2025 World Series.

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This past offseason, the Cubs hit the international free agent market to acquire left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga to become part of their rotation. Imanaga far exceeded expectations, looking like a Cy Young candidate for most of the season while posting a 15-3 record and sub-3.00 ERA during the regular season.

But many expect him to regress a bit. Chicago could look to add to its rotation, perhaps even aiming for an ace, this winter. They could get very aggressive throwing shots if they were missing the two best players on this roster.

If they want to acquire a pitcher, they might as well go for the best starter on the market, Corbin Burnes.

Burnes is set to become a free agent after a Cy Young caliber season, although he will fall short in the voting thanks to Tarik Skubal’s special year. Burnes has been truly incredible, posting a 2.92 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 8.4 K/9 this season.

Baltimore will be very aggressive in bringing him back. There’s no world where the Cubs can fit all three players on this roster, but if they miss out on the top two, adding Burnes to the rotation would certainly be within their price range.

Last offseason, the Cubs’ top priority was bringing back slugger Cody Bellinger. This offseason, they will be tasked with the same thing, assuming Bellinger opts out of his contract as many expect him to do. He will probably look for a longer contract that will guarantee him the next four or five seasons.

In a dream world, Bellinger will opt out of his contract and play in 2025 for the Cubs for the $27.5 million attached to him. But suppose he withdraws.

Bellinger, 29, slashed .266/.325/.426 while playing four different defensive positions in 2024 for the Cubs. He has smashed 44 home runs over the past two seasons with Chicago.

Then the Cubs will be tasked with figuring out how to secure him for the next four or five seasons, which would likely cost them a lot of money. But Bellinger has been great for Chicago and he has shown no signs of slowing down. He is a key part of the lineup and his defensive versatility makes him even more valuable.

As long as no team is willing to overpay for Bellinger, the Cubs need to find a way to bring him back. He has become a fan favorite and fans deserve Bellinger in a Cubs uniform for years to come.

The main move Chicago needs to make this offseason is the same one they dreamed of making before the trade deadline this season: Pete Alonso.

Chicago was actively trying to acquire him this season, but the Mets opted to hang on to him in hopes of making the playoffs. That move ended up paying off, with Alonso helping push the Mets into the playoffs and he was absolutely incredible in October as well. But he’s set to hit the open market this offseason and the Cubs need to do everything they can to land him.

Chicago needs a slugger at first base more than anything. They brought in Isaac Paredes to play both first and third base, although he was considered a third baseman over anything else. That leaves the hole at first base and DH if we’re being honest.

Alonso has done nothing but crush major league pitchers during his major league career. There’s no need to argue why he would be a good fit for the Cubs, as every roster in baseball could find a place for Alonso.

The Cubs will have to spend big if they want to acquire him. The Mets are going to be aggressive in bringing him back, but they are also going to pursue Juan Soto. If the Cubs can be aggressive in acquiring him early, they have a chance to land him.