The Cubs hope to have a right fielder before Christmas, but even they aren't sure who it will be. According to major-league sources, general manager Jim Hendry has made a contract offer in the last couple of days to free-agent outfielder Jacque Jones, but the Cubs also remain in a trade scenario for an outfielder. Hendry declined to comment on the matter Monday. The offer to Jones is believed to be no more than a two-year proposal and not as lucrative as the three-year, $15 million deal the Kansas City Royals reportedly have offered. The St. Louis Cardinals also might be in the bidding. Whether it's Jones or the trade target, the Cubs are hopeful they will have completed their starting outfield within the next several days. Matt Murton is expected to start in left field alongside new center fielder Juan Pierre. The Cubs also will offer a contract today to Corey Patterson for 2006, but that doesn't mean he will be in their lineup next season. Hendry continues to have trade talks about Patterson, and something could develop on that front in the next couple of weeks. The Cubs' front office is well aware that Patterson needs a change of scenery to try to reignite his career, but they want fair value for a player who was highly regarded in the first half of 2003 and could return to that form. Hendry has been seeking a left-handed-hitting right fielder. When he wasn't able to find a trade partner in the last few weeks, Jones became more of a priority. Discussions began to heat up last week. Jones, 30, isn't coming off a stellar season with the Minnesota Twins. He batted .249 with 23 home runs and 73 RBI. Just two years ago, though, Jones batted .304 with 16 homers and 69 RBI.