Chicago Cubs: Evaluating recent trades and how the Cubs fared

Replacing Chapman

In December, the Cubs began the process of preparing for 2017. The Cubs traded outfielder Jorge Soler to the Kansas City Royals for closer Wade Davis.  Before anyone even played ball, it looked like a win on paper. Soler signed a nine-year, $30 million contract with the Cubs in 2012, but ended up only spending three years with the Cubs.

Soler had a rough 2016, slashing .238/.333/.436, which was the second straight season of declining offensive numbers. With an already crowded outfield, the Cubs convinced the Royals to take him off their hands and it worked beautifully for the Cubs.

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In just 91 at-bats this season, Soler is slashing .154/.245/.275 and has bounced between Triple-A and the big league team. Soler is just 25 years old though, so he’s got plenty of time to resurrect his career.

Wade Davis, 31, has been exactly what the Cubs expected. Having had the lowest ERA of any reliever in the game over the last three seasons, Davis has lived up to expectations. Davis is a perfect 22 for 22 in saves this season, has a sparkling 2.00 ERA, and 12.5 K/9. The now three-time All-Star is having another good season.

The Cubs made the Royals look foolish. Even if Davis walks at the end of the year, the Cubs will easily win this trade. I would be surprised if Soler ever establishes himself as an everyday player:

Verdict: Cubs