Chicago Cubs make big moves in FanSided Faux Winter Offseason

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 11: Wade Davis #71 of the Chicago Cubs jogs onto the field in the eighth inning during game four of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on October 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 11: Wade Davis #71 of the Chicago Cubs jogs onto the field in the eighth inning during game four of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on October 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs re-sign Wade Davis to four-year, $60 million deal

I knew when the offseason kicked off that I wanted Davis back in the ninth. The goal was to pair an elite reliever with him for a seamless back of the bullpen. And, when the dust settled and the bids came in, that’s just what happened.

The Texas Rangers opened the bidding on the right-hander with a three-year, $37 million offer. I went into the offseason thinking he’d get four years at around $15 million annually – so I knew there was plenty of room to work with here.

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We countered with a three-year, $45 million bid. This still seemed low on the length after Davis blew just one save over the course of the season. Factor in his outstanding postseason performance and there’s no way he only gets three years – despite his age.

Texas countered with the expected fourth year at $58 million. And, right on cue, Davis’ “representatives” noted he preferred the longevity over AAV.

So what were the Cubs to do? Put the nail in the casket, of course. We tacked on an additional $2 million and locked him up. And what do you know? It came in at exactly four years and $60 million.

It doesn’t get much better than that.