Chicago Cubs: Moves that make sense for the Cubs

The off-season is here and moves are being made already. For the Chicago Cubs, there are five players that signing or trading only make sense.

Wait a minute? Did the World Series end just last week? And we are already talking about next year? That does not make sense.

However, there is little time to celebrate once players and teams start declining options, leading to more free agents. Add to this the questions leftover from the 2016 roster performances, and there are several questions that remain.

Here is a recap of the important notes from the Chicago Cubs this week:

Dexter Fowler declined his option for 2017, but the team made him a qualifying offer. Players rarely accept these offers.

The Cubs declined the team option for Jason Hammel in 2017, making the pitcher a free agent this off-season. With an average starting pitching market, Jason could use his 2016 performance to cash in.

Other Cubs headed into free agency: Trevor Cahill, Aroldis Chapman, Chris Coghlan, Joe Smith, Travis Wood.

So, what should the Cubs do now? Here are five moves that make sense.