Chicago Cubs News: Uehara signs; Cubs make deal for Rule 5 pick

 The Chicago Cubs were again active during the Winter Meeting on Thursday. They signed Koji Uehara to a one-year deal. They also traded with the Brewers for their Rule 5 pick.

The Chicago Cubs continued to build their bullpen up at the Winter Meetings. A day after trading for the Royals Wade Davis, the Cubs signed former Boston closer Koji Uehara. The Cubs have talked about the backend of the bullpen getting “worn down” towards the end of the season. Now they have three potential closers in Davis, Uehara and Hector Rondon if necessary.

The Cubs initially passed on their Rule 5 spot pick, but then later traded cash and a PTBNL to the Brewers for Caleb Smith (from the Yankees). The lefty is 25 and could possibly take the place of Travis Wood in the Cubs pen. Last season he posted a 3.96 ERA in Double-A with 70 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings.

In the most painful news of the day, it looks as though Dexter Fowler is headed to the St. Louis Cardinals. Fowler was due to head to St. Louis for a physical when the news broke the deal was all but done. Terms are unknown but expected to be a five-year deal for the 30-year-old veteran. I wish him well in St. Louis–but just him, and that’s it.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs sign Uehara to one-year deal‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Say it ain’t so! Fowler headed to St. Louis?‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘What’s next after the Winter Meetings?’ – MLB.com

‘Cubs make deal in Rule 5 draft’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Pirates trade talks for McCutchen fizzle’ – ESPN

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