The Chicago Cubs plan to get back into contention next year, and with that said, they are in the market for a free-agent first baseman – with Adam Dunn being one of GM Jim Hendry’s top priorities this witner.

According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Time, Dunn is willing to talk if the Washington Nationals don’t make a strong push to get him signed to a contract extension before a becomes a free agent in the fall.

”[Wrigley Field's] obviously one of my favorite parks to hit in,” said Dunn ”I’ve always really enjoyed playing there. The atmosphere is great there for any player. The fans are always hard on the other team, which makes it fun.”

Dunn, 30, has performed well in Wrigley with a .282 batting average and 25 home runs in 66 games in the Friendly Confines.

Wittenmyer adds that if the Cubs plan to contend, the will need at least one frontline starting pitcher and a first baseman with corner-infield production.

”I don’t know if they’re going to spend the money,” third baseman Aramis Ramirez said recently. ”But Dunn would fit anybody’s lineup. But they’re going to have to spend a lot of money to get [him].”

Dunn is in the final year of a two-year, $20 million deal. He has had talks with the Nationals regarding an extension, but nothing formal has been presented.