Chicago Cubs: What to know ahead of the Winter Meetings

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Oct 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) pitches during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game two of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

What are the odds of the Chicago Cubs losing Aroldis Chapman only to turn around and sign Kenley Jansen? Well, if you’re Theo Epstein, they have to be pretty high. Jansen was dominant throughout the season, picking up 47 saves and cruising through lineups in the postseason.

Jansen, who declined L.A.’s $17.2 million offer, is testing the market and could pick up the biggest contract out of everyone. Despite the Cubs eliminating the Dodgers, Jansen limited the Cubs and Nationals to four earned runs on five hits, 19 strikeouts, and five walks in 11 2/3 innings.

Yes, you guessed it, the Cubs were unable to score, little alone hit off him in three encounters. Jansen picked up the save in Game 2 of the LCS behind Clayton Kershaw‘s gem. His final appearance in the series came in the 5-0 loss where he hurled three scoreless innings, bringing his LCS total to 6 1/3.

Next: Maddon falls short of Manager of the Year

Clearly, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a very good team. Not to mention, Dave Roberts won Manager of the Year. However, the Chicago Cubs could end up becoming favorites to repeat in 2017.

This could be enough to grab Jansen’s attention and sway him to sign a multi-year deal with the North Siders. Totally worth losing a draft pick, if you ask me. I mean, the Cubs already have enough talent in the minor league circuit to survive a few years.

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