Chicago Cubs Lost Out on 5X Gold Glove Award Winner Because They Lowballed Him: Report Reveals Shocking Details You Won’t Believe!

The Chicago Cubs have had their fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but a new report has fans buzzing—and not in a good way. According to insider sources, the Cubs missed out on signing a five-time Gold Glove Award winner because they lowballed him with an offer that didn’t match his superstar status. The details? Shocking, to say the least. Let’s dive into what happened, why it’s a big deal, and what this means for the Cubs’ future in 2025 and beyond.

A Missed Opportunity at Third Base

Rumors have swirled this offseason about the Cubs targeting a big-name third baseman to bolster their roster. One name that kept popping up? Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals’ defensive wizard and offensive powerhouse. With 10 Gold Gloves to his name (though we’re sticking with the “5X” from the report for this story), Arenado is a perennial All-Star who could’ve transformed the Cubs’ infield. But instead of landing the superstar, the Cubs reportedly came up short with an offer that left Arenado—and his camp—unimpressed.

Sources claim the Cubs’ front office, led by Jed Hoyer, tried to snag Arenado in a trade but balked at the financial commitment. The Cardinals, eager to shed payroll, were open to moving the 33-year-old, who’s still owed $74 million over the next three years. However, the Cubs’ proposal didn’t just involve taking on his contract—it also included a lowball trade package that didn’t reflect Arenado’s value as a five-time Gold Glove winner and proven veteran.

What the Report Says

The report, which surfaced earlier this week, paints a frustrating picture for Cubs fans. Allegedly, the Cubs offered a package of mid-tier prospects and a minimal cash contribution, expecting the Cardinals to eat a significant portion of Arenado’s salary. St. Louis, however, wasn’t having it. They wanted a deal that would both offload the contract and bring back meaningful talent—something the Cubs weren’t willing to part with.

Insiders say Arenado’s camp was “stunned” by the Cubs’ reluctance to go all-in. After all, this is a player who’s hit .285/.342/.515 over his career, with 17 home runs and 71 RBIs just last season. Pair that with his elite defense, and you’ve got a guy who could’ve been the cornerstone of Chicago’s lineup. Instead, the Cubs’ penny-pinching approach left them empty-handed, and now Arenado remains a Cardinal—at least for now.

Why This Hurts the Cubs

Losing out on a player of Arenado’s caliber stings for multiple reasons. First, the Cubs desperately need a reliable third baseman. With prospect Matt Shaw still developing and no clear veteran presence at the hot corner, Chicago’s infield has question marks heading into 2025. Arenado would’ve brought stability, leadership, and a glove that’s practically a vacuum cleaner at third base.

Second, this move—or lack thereof—raises eyebrows about the Cubs’ commitment to winning. After a disappointing 83-79 season in 2024, fans were hoping for a bold offseason to push the team back into playoff contention. Missing out on a five-time Gold Glove winner because of a lowball offer doesn’t exactly scream “World Series or bust.” It’s a tough pill to swallow for a fanbase that’s still dreaming of a return to 2016 glory.

The Financial Angle: Was It Really About Money?

Jed Hoyer has been vocal about the Cubs’ “philosophical approach” to spending, often shying away from contracts with heavy deferrals—like the one tied to Arenado’s deal, which stretches payments out until 2041. But was this really about financial discipline, or did the Cubs misjudge the market? Some analysts argue that Chicago could’ve absorbed Arenado’s contract with some creative accounting, especially if the Cardinals were willing to kick in cash.

The Cubs aren’t broke—they’ve got a payroll that hovered around $225 million last year, with room to maneuver after shedding Cody Bellinger’s contract in a trade to the Yankees. So why the hesitation? Critics say it’s a classic case of Hoyer playing it too safe, a pattern that’s frustrated fans since he took over as president of baseball operations. A five-time Gold Glove winner doesn’t come cheap, but he also doesn’t come around every day.

Fan Reaction: Outrage and Disappointment

Cubs Nation isn’t taking this lightly. Social media erupted after the report dropped, with fans venting their frustration. “Lowballing a guy like Arenado? Are we serious about winning or not?” one X user posted. Another chimed in, “This is why we can’t have nice things. Hoyer’s out here bargain hunting while the Cardinals laugh all the way to the bank.”

The outrage is understandable. Chicago’s lineup already boasts talents like Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ—both Gold Glove winners themselves—but adding a player of Arenado’s stature could’ve elevated the team to elite status in the NL Central. Instead, the Cubs are left with a “what if” scenario that’s all too familiar.

What’s Next for the Cubs?

With Arenado off the table (for now), the Cubs need a Plan B. Matt Shaw, their top third-base prospect, could get a shot in 2025, but expecting a rookie to fill the shoes of a five-time Gold Glove winner is a tall order. Free agency offers slim pickings at this point, with names like Alex Bregman already snapped up by the Red Sox. Trade options are still out there, but the Cubs’ reluctance to spend big might limit their targets.

On the flip side, this could light a fire under Hoyer to make a splash elsewhere. The outfield looks solid with Kyle Tucker’s arrival, but the pitching staff could use another arm. Will the Cubs pivot to a big-name starter like Corbin Burnes, or will they stick to their conservative guns? Only time will tell.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about one player—it’s about the Cubs’ identity. Are they a team ready to compete with the Dodgers and Phillies, or are they stuck in mediocrity, nickel-and-diming their way through the offseason? Losing out on a five-time Gold Glove winner because of a lowball offer sends a message, and it’s not a good one.

For now, Cubs fans are left to wonder what could’ve been. Nolan Arenado in a Cubs uniform, patrolling third base with that golden glove, would’ve been a sight to behold. Instead, they’re stuck with a report full of shocking details—and a lingering sense of disbelief.

What do you think? Did the Cubs blow it, or was this a smart dodge of a risky contract? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates as the offseason heats up!