Heyman added that the Cubs had stiff competition for Cooper’s services. The Boston Red Sox were also reportedly hot on Cooper’s tail, but in the end, the veteran slugger decided to take his talents to the North Side of Chicago.

In the end, it seemed as though Garrett Cooper decided to sign with the Cubs since doing so should provide him a clearer path to playing time than signing with the Red Sox would have. At present, the Cubs’ depth chart has Michael Busch slated to take on the majority of plate appearances at first base, so signing Cooper at least provides Chicago some insurance in case Busch is unable to shake off his poor 2023 campaign.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to see Cooper moving the needle much for the Cubs. While this signing is helpful, Cooper may no longer be anything more than a depth piece. In 2023, Cooper may have hit 17 home runs and driven in 61 runs while splitting time with the Miami Marlins and Padres, but his inability to get on base combined with his poor strikeout rate capped his overall impact on the offensive side of the ball.

Cooper, being a first baseman only, does not provide too much value defensively, which means that his upside for the Cubs is very limited. Already 33, Cooper is a finished product, someone who should give the Cubs a solid pinch-hitting option off the bench or an okay option when the team’s stronger options are out due to injury.