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Johnny Sleeper
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Some rumors are heating up about Chris Archer to the Cubs as we head into the Winter Meetings. Archer would be nice as an upgrade to Hammel's rotation spot from last year and would push Lackey to the 5th starter this year. Adding a proven starter also keeps Montgomery as the swing man instead of forcing him into the 5th starter spot would keep the rotation depth. Archer is under control on a very team friendly contract for FIVE years. Given the length of control they would have on Archer, and his age, I'd be fine with giving up Schwarber for him, although the current rumors are centered around a Soler and Happ/Jimenez package.
I could see the front office looking at Tyson Ross since the Padres released him instead of going to arbitration. Ross is going to miss the first 3-6 weeks of the season, but he would be veteran rotation depth if he recovers from shoulder surgery. Ross would also only be a one year deal so it wouldn't hurt future flexibility.
Some other names that have been floated around are Wade Davis, a trade with the Royals would make sense if they are going to rebuild. Greg Holland, who is recovered from TJS and looking for a one year prove it deal so he can show he's back to being an elite closer and get a big contract next off-season.
The real question is how many pieces will the Cubs be willing to move. Assuming Baez is going to be the starting 2B that leaves Zobrist as the potential primary LF. The Cubs were 3rd in baseball for LF OPS last year so an offensive upgrade at the expense of defense isn't really needed. Soler was the most used player in LF so just putting Zobrist out there full time could upgrade the offense and defense compared to last year. With the signing of Jay to go with Almora, Heyward, Zobrist and Szczur they have a full OF without Schwarber and Soler. The best LF on the roster is still Bryant, but it is unlikely they will move him there at this point, but I can see it happening in another year or two if they keep Happ. I'm assuming they'll move Jimenez in the right deal, which I'll be upset about it, like I was they moved Gleyber for a rental, but they are in win now mode so these things happen.
I could see the front office looking at Tyson Ross since the Padres released him instead of going to arbitration. Ross is going to miss the first 3-6 weeks of the season, but he would be veteran rotation depth if he recovers from shoulder surgery. Ross would also only be a one year deal so it wouldn't hurt future flexibility.
Some other names that have been floated around are Wade Davis, a trade with the Royals would make sense if they are going to rebuild. Greg Holland, who is recovered from TJS and looking for a one year prove it deal so he can show he's back to being an elite closer and get a big contract next off-season.
The real question is how many pieces will the Cubs be willing to move. Assuming Baez is going to be the starting 2B that leaves Zobrist as the potential primary LF. The Cubs were 3rd in baseball for LF OPS last year so an offensive upgrade at the expense of defense isn't really needed. Soler was the most used player in LF so just putting Zobrist out there full time could upgrade the offense and defense compared to last year. With the signing of Jay to go with Almora, Heyward, Zobrist and Szczur they have a full OF without Schwarber and Soler. The best LF on the roster is still Bryant, but it is unlikely they will move him there at this point, but I can see it happening in another year or two if they keep Happ. I'm assuming they'll move Jimenez in the right deal, which I'll be upset about it, like I was they moved Gleyber for a rental, but they are in win now mode so these things happen.