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With the Winter Meetings starting Monday outside of Washington D.C., the Chicago Cubs looks to build around the team’s core. What can Cubs’ fans expect this year?
The calendar turning to December means two things. First of all, the holidays are right around the corner. Secondly, the Baseball Winter Meetings are set to take place. After an amazing 2016 season, one that ended with the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, fans are excited to see what presents are in store.
On Friday, the Cubs tendered contracts with four arbitration-eligible players: Jake Arrieta, Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, and Justin Grimm. Four others were not tendered contracts, and therefore are now free agents: Gerardo Concepcion, Zac Rosscup, Conor Mullee, and Christian Villanueva.
These moves, in addition to the signings of Jon Jay and Brian Duensing, the Chicago Cubs’ roster sits at 35 players. There are plenty of spots to fill. However, their team salary is $118.6 million before arbitration contracts are resolved. With these aspects in mind, what are the goals for the Cubs during the Winter Meetings?