Chicago Cubs: John Lackey signed to help bolster rotation

For all the talk of the Chicago Cubs going out and making ‘big’ signings for pitching, this mid-tier pickup can be just as helpful and much less costly.

There was so much speculation of the Chicago Cubs making big signings this offseason. At one point, it seemed as if David Price was a foregone conclusion. But Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer aren’t looking to repeat the mistakes of the past and in turn have opted for a shorter deal in veteran John Lackey. Not only do the Cubs get a proven pitcher coming off his best season, but they also steal a piece away from their division rival St. Louis Cardinals.

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With Lackey signed, it’s still possible the Cubs will look to add another arm. But the chances of making a big splash with a big name–like Jeff Samardzija–looks more unlikely each day. If the Cubs do make another rotation bolstering move it very well could be through trade. The Cubs have plenty of positional talent and could move some of it to acquire a young pitcher under team control. It’s already been a bit of a surprising winter, so anything is possible as we enter the Winter meetings.

The Cubs history with Japanese players hasn’t exactly been fruitful, but if at first you don’t succeed. Kenta Maeda has been cleared to negotiate with MLB teams, but the price tag isn’t cheap. The fee is $20 million, but Maeda does have the numbers to warrant curiosity. Will the Cubs be willing to pay a high price just to take a shot?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs sign John Lackey to two-year deal’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Addressing the Cubs free agency plans’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Bonds named Marlins new hitting coach’ – ESPN

‘Kenta Maeda cleared to negotiate with MLB teams’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Five burning Hot Stove questions’ – ESPN

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