Chicago Cubs’ offseason moves overshadowed by other clubs

Chicago Cubs

While teams like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers threw in excess of $80 million to fill their ninth-inning voids, the Cubs went a different route.

In trading Jorge Soler to the Kansas City Royals for Wade Davis, Chicago cleared up a piece of their outfield logjam and kept from overspending on a premier relief pitching option like Jansen or Chapman.

Prior to his injury-shortened 2016 campaign, Davis established himself as one of the best closers in the game, helping lead Kansas City to back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and 2015. His confidence and sheer dominance made him a fan favorite amongst Royals faithful.

"“I knew I could get guys out, no matter the situation,” Davis said. “It just eased my mind.”"

Despite a mild regression in 2016 — and two stints on the disabled list for forearm issues — Davis posted a 1.31 ERA in 182  2/3 innings as a reliever during 2014-16. He was even better in the playoffs, allowing just two runs across two postseasons, including a perfect run in 2015.

Keeping to a similar mindset, Theo Epstein, and Jed Hoyer opted for a one-year deal with Jon Jay as opposed to throwing money at fan favorite Dexter Fowler. This practical approach will prove fruitful in coming years, as the team’s young core sees its payroll rise and Chicago vies to add impact depth to its starting rotation.

Next: Baez is a player to watch for the Cubs

Pitching depth will be on the front burner in the next few months: free agent Tyson Ross remains in contact with Chicago and other depth pieces will be more likely than a big splash.

This offseason isn’t about big statement moves in Wrigleyville. It’s about playing it smart and making sure the young core has the necessary depth to make another deep postseason run in 2017.

Verdict: Winner