Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein to give arbitration-eligible players a raise?

It’s that time of the year again when clubs across the league decide to tender the contracts of arbitration-eligible players. For those who go non-tendered after the set deadline (which is Wednesday), they’ll become free agents.

For the Chicago Cubs, they have nine players who can be tendered. The list of men includes Travis Wood, Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm, Hector Rondon, Clayton Richard, Ryan Cook, Rex Brothers, and Chris Coghlan.

Now according to ESPN Chicago’s own Jesse Rogers, the Cubs may end up tendering all nine contracts which will guarantee a player 80% of their 2015 salary. Not too bad if you ask me.

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With Chris Denorfia‘s run with the Cubs coming to an end, bringing Coghlan back for another season would make sense. Not only does he provide this roster with depth in the outfield, but he had some experience at second base.

Veteran center fielder Dexter Fowler rejected Chicago’s qualifying offer just a couple of weeks ago and will more than likely sign elsewhere. This leaves the door open for a guy like Coghlan and possibly Austin Jackson to get some playing time in center depending on if the Cubs land free-agent Jason Heyward.

It would be a long-shot, but after missing out on David Price and his $217 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, it would be worth giving it a go.

Chicago Cubs President’ Theo Epstein is well aware of how great everybody played for this team who clinched their first playoff berth since the 2008 campaign. Not only did they make the postseason, but they advanced to the National League Championship Series after knocking off the St. Louis Cardinals.

"“When you play well, you play well because of good players who went out and performed well on the field so they make more money in arbitration, and you’re thrilled about that. It means they contributed to a winning season, and they deserve raises.” – Epstein via ESPN Chicago"

Both Cook and Brothers are new to the organization as they were picked up in November. Cook was claimed off waivers via the Oakland Athletics on the sixth while prospect Wander Cabrera was shipped to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for the 27-year-old southpaw.

Arbitration hearings will begin in February before players make their way to camps.