Updated Odds for Chicago Cubs to Sign Top 5 Remaining Free Agent Targets

Even though they missed out on catcher Russell Martin in free agency, the Chicago Cubs still have plenty of targets left in play. Most free agents they currently have an interest in would be more of role players, with the exception of ace Jon Lester. Any other elite pitching they pursue this offseason could be in the form of a trade.

However, before they consider any trades, they have to see how Lester and other pitchers respond to their offers. Given its extreme youth in the outfield, the team could also go after a veteran outfielder to platoon with one of the youngsters.

Based on how free agency has gone so far and how well each player could fit in with the Cubs in their current state, here are updated odds on the team landing their remaining top five free-agent targets.

Jonny Gomes: 50 Percent

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Signing Jonny Gomes would be more of a minor deal, but he could still really help the Cubs. His ability to get on base is something the Cubs would likely want to be preached to their young guys. He got on base at a .327 clip last season despite batting just .234.

If he can teach that ability to draw walks to guys like Starlin Castro, who already hits for a high average, the Cubs could start putting a lot more guys on base and logically score more runs.

It seems like a good fit, and Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago confirmed as much, saying the Cubs are interested in taking him on as a fourth outfielder to be a good locker room guy and help change the approach of many young guys at the plate. Additionally, they like his playoff experience, which could help the Cubs in the near future.

Michael Morse: 20 Percent

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Theoretically, Michael Morse would be a bigger splash than Gomes, but he also appears less likely to sign with the Cubs. He has more power (91 home runs in the last four seasons compared to Gomes' 51), but he also hasn't been able to stay as healthy—especially in 2013, when he played just 88 games.

Based on his talent when he's healthy, Morse may be the more valuable option. However, since the Cubs essentially want any veteran outfielder they sign to be a placeholder, Gomes may be a better fit.

Jon Lester: 50 Percent

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If there's a major splash the Cubs are going to make this offseason, there's a good chance it will be Lester. At varying times over the past week, they were considered to be completely out of the running and then were listed as the favorites to land him once again.

Due to all of these conflicting reports, it's relatively hard to predict where he will land. All we know is the Cubs and Boston Red Sox seem like front-runners simply because of familiarity and available money. That's what makes Lester signing in Chicago about a 50-50 bet.

Jason Hammel: 75 Percent

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Even when he was traded to the Oakland Athletics last season, Jason Hammel never closed the door on returning to the Cubs. Now, according to Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago, a reunion could be in the works. The sides have mutual interest, and the move would make sense. 

Before being traded to Oakland on the Fourth of July last year, Hammel was 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA, making him one of the better pitchers in the National League. Even though he struggled after moving to the American League, Hammel would be a great subtle piece for the Cubs to add to their rotation. They recognize that, which could lead to a reunion this winter.

Brandon McCarthy: 30 Percent

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Another second-tier starter the Cubs could consider is Brandon McCarthy. He resurrected his career after a trade to the New York Yankees last season, going 7-5 with a 2.89 ERA to make him a hot commodity on the free-agent market. Since bidding could get high for the starter, the Cubs may not be willing to go that high, especially if they sign Lester to a big contract.

There haven't been any significant reports connecting McCarthy to the Cubs, but the fit could make sense in theory. As a No. 3 starter behind an ace—possibly Lester—and Jake Arrieta, he would give the Cubs plenty of depth in the rotation. If they're unable to reach a deal with McCarthy, look for them to pursue other starting pitching options, such as Jake Peavy, Justin Masterson and Brett Anderson.