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The Chicago Cubs could try to sign Darvish or Arrieta, or they could go and shock baseball by doing very little at all. It wouldn’t be unheard of with a much better class of free agents next season.
Everyone is geared up for the Chicago Cubs‘ offseason. Some expect the Cubs to do something big, either signing Yu Darvish or Jake Arrieta. Or possibly trade one of the young and talented Cubs for pitching. But what if they didn’t do anything like that? Maybe they simply shore up the weaknesses of the team and get ready for the season with a revamped bullpen? I think the baseball world–or at least Cubs’ fans–would be stunned by them doing very little this offseason.
One of the Cubs possible plays in the free agent market is a top-tier starting pitcher. Most believe that Darvish could be that guy. But with forecasts of a six-year deal in the range of $150 million or more? The Cubs did that for Jon Lester, and you might not see them ever do that again. There are a lot of reasons to like Darvish, but past injuries to struggles in the postseason should be a reason to pass on him.
The Cubs acquired Jose Quintana at the trade deadline, and he produced immediate results. After that, he was up and down, lacking consistency–which wasn’t unheard of for a pitcher on a new club. So what type of expectations do the Cubs have for him in 2018? Will he be a No. 2 or 3 starter in this rotation? His performance this season could go a long way to the Cubs’ plans for the rotation this year and beyond.
These stories and others you might have missed:
‘Cubs could play it safe, shock nobody this offseason’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Why the Cubs won’t sign Darvish’ – Cubbies Crib
‘What to expect out of Quintan in 2018’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Cubs Christmas gift guide’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Esurance Award winners’ – MLB.com
#Cubs on Twitter
Asked a former scout on the #Cubs interest in Kevin Kiermaier and he said, "That rumor isn't anything new." Have apparently had their eye on the #Rays CF for some time now.
— Sean Sears (@seanrsears) November 17, 2017
Any guesses where I am #Cubs fans?! pic.twitter.com/Or6v6xPlUE
— Crawly's Cubs Kingdom (@crawlyscubs) November 18, 2017
It's beginning to look like Christmas at Wrigley. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/mibNJ7K3lr
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) November 17, 2017
Next: Epstein confident after GM meetings
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