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Chicago Cubs make big moves in FanSided Faux Winter Offseason

By Jake Misener

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs acknowledges the crowd after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs acknowledges the crowd after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs acknowledges the crowd after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs acknowledges the crowd after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Each year, the 30 editors around the FanSided MLB Division get together for a Mock Offseason. Make no mistake, the Chicago Cubs made some noise.

If the Chicago Cubs mirror this week’s FanSided Mock Offseason exercise in their moves this winter, I’ll close up shop and call it a day. But, given some of the moves made, I think I’ll be here for awhile.

After three days of living on an Excel spreadsheet used to track free agent and trade offers, I finally came up for air. And, although I’m sure some of you will chastise these deals as foolish and short-sighted, hopefully there are more positive than negative reactions.

And, well, if there’s not – oh well. The Cubs entered the offseason needing to shore up the pitching staff in big ways. Jake Arrieta and John Lackey left 40 percent of the rotation open. With Wade Davis‘ departure, the ninth inning sat open.

We looked to shore up these areas – and, if you read my work regularly, you’ll know this. I’d rather get beaten by what I know than what I don’t. With that in mind, let’s begin.