clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

MLB Hot Stove 2011: Good Fits For Carlos Peña Include The Chicago Cubs, Says SB Nation's Rob Neyer

Free agent first baseman Carlos Peña only hit .225 and failed to drive in or score 100 runs for the Chicago Cubs in 2010-11, but SB Nation's Rob Neyer says he was worth every bit of the $10 million he was paid by the team. In fact, Neyer points out that Peña actually provided surplus value in 2010-11, and lists some potential teams that have room him in each league. Which teams are they?

There are eight teams Neyer believes would be good fits for the slugger: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs.   

Here's a bit more analysis from Neyer:

How much will Peña get in 2012? I think that depends largely on the length of the contract. Another one-year deal for $10 million wouldn't be out of line. Neither would a three-year deal for $24 million...

...The Nationals are supposedly making a play to win soon, and Peña would help. The Cubs probably aren't going to try to contend in 2012, so Peña probably doesn't make sense for them. But maybe they're more ambitious than we think. And Peña would be a solid replacement for Prince Fielderin Milwaukee.    

The Cubs have recently expressed interest in bigger names like Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols, but perhaps Peña represents a cheaper alternative.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Cubs be sure to visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. Visit Baseball Nation for more news and notes around the league.