Chicago Cubs News: Harper or Ohtani, Maples breakout season?

The Chicago Cubs are in the final group that will have a face to face meeting with Shohei Ohtani. If they do happen to land him, would that keep them from making a run at Bryce Harper next season?

The Chicago Cubs are in the final stages of the Shohei Ohtani lottery, getting the chance to meet with him face to face. While the Cubs aren’t guaranteed anything, there’s always a chance. But just out of curiosity, if the Cubs did land Ohtani–would they still go after Bryce Harper in the 2018 offseason? And if they land Ohtani and then Harper, how would the look of this Cubs team change? We might be putting the cart before the horse, but there’s nothing wrong with having a little bit of fun if the Cubs were to land these two.

While the Cubs continue to peruse the free agent market for pitchers, they could have a good one in-house. Dillon Maples had only a handful of appearances in 2017, but outside of one, there was promise. Could Maples break into the Cubs bullpen and be an effective force in the pen? He’s got the swing and miss stuff that you look for. He just needs to put it all together.

Eddie Butler got his chance early last season with the Cubs after Brett Anderson went down. BUt He was never able to take full advantage of the opportunity and was eventually sent back to Iowa. With two starters possibly on their way out, you would think that chance for Butler might come again. But it looks like he might be forced out, especially with no options left.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Would landing Ohtani prevent the Cubs from pursuing Harper?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs might have lethal bullpen weapon in Maples‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs will need to decide on the future of Butler’ – Cubbies Crib

‘How are the Cubs still in the running for Ohtani?’ – ESPN

‘Altuve, Watt named SI Sportsperson of the Year’ – MLB.com

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