The Cubs have resources to spend this off-season, but it doesn’t mean they have to

The 2014 season closed out for the Chicago Cubs with a subdued anticipation. All these rookies finally arriving, the emergence of Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks on the pitching staff, the breakout season as a closer for Hector Rondon. And now the conversations have begun about which high-priced free agent the Cubs will sign in the off-season.

The answer doesn’t have to be any of them, to be very honest.

Some fans believe because there is money to spend, that the team should. Jon Lester has had his name come to the forefront, as our own Jacob Misener has alluded to. But the Cubs will be wise this winter. If the right deal presents itself, the front office will make the necessary move. But I don’t believe they’ll do it just to make a splash, and “give notice” to baseball that the team is ready to compete.

“A lot of people around baseball are aware this place is going to get very interesting for a long time very soon. It’s an attractive place to be.”(But) they’re aware, as we’re aware, we haven’t accomplished anything yet. And there’s a tremendous amount of work to do.” h/t Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune

First off, two of the most notable signings the Theo Epstein regime has made fared very, very poorly. Last year, they signed Jose Veras to a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $4 million. 12 games in, Veras was a flop, and was shortly after that designated for assignment. 

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Prior to that was the inking of Edwin Jackson, who has become the new Carlos Zambrano of the Cubs. Jackson signed a four-year, $52 million dollar deal. After a 14-33 record to start with the Cubs, Jackson was moved to the bullpen. With $22 million still owed, it’s going to be hard to find a buyer for a pitcher who is averaging nearly 17 losses per season.

Aside from the big names available, there will of course be other free agents that will fit within the team’s plans without pinching too much from the payroll. The outfield is one place Epstein sees an opportunity to fill via free agency.

“The outfield is always an opportunity where you can add talent and the parts can fit well together,” said Epstein, who praised his pro scouts for their reports last winter that led to the signing of Chris Coghlan as a non-roster invitee.

There are several pieces in place on this Cubs team, that with a little more development, can lead them somewhere that I have never had the pleasure of seeing them. It is the “Series that shall not be named”. (Hopefully there are a few Harry Potter fans among the readers.) But these rookies are yet to experience the full 162 game slate. They will continue to develop, while the team also looks to compete for the NL Central title. Not unheard of, but most definitely a tall task.

Therein lies the dilemma for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Do they feel the Cubs are close enough to open up the checkbook for a Jon Lester? Or do they sign the complementary players, the veteran guys, to give the team a dose of experience to go along with the youth?

It will be a fine line they will have to walk this winter. I like the belief that this team can win next year. And I don’t think it’s entirely lip service. The Cubs went toe to toe with several playoff teams down the stretch, and more than held their own. That doesn’t mean they suddenly can do it on a daily basis next year, but they’re close.

If I could put the GM hat on for a second, I would lay off the big prize free-agents this winter. I’d look to sign some veterans to complement the young talent. Spring training always holds a surprise or two, but I would come out of it with what we have. Kris Bryant may arrive by April, and we could be in the mix at that point. I’d consider using the trade deadline to make that proverbial splash.

The future is bright, the pockets are deep. That can be a volatile combination for a team if it isn’t careful. But from the sound of it, the Cubs are grounded, and will be players if given the opportunity according to Epstein.

“We can’t completely sell out just for 2015. But certainly it’s starting to be the right time to add impact talent with the core we have developing here.”