Chicago Cubs connected to multiple players on Day Two of Winter Meetings

The Chicago Cubs are doing their due diligence as Winter Meetings continue, as reports have connected them to just about every potential target possible.

After a very quiet Day One in Orlando, Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings continued on Tuesday, with the rumors swirling. Stars such as Manny Machado of the Orioles continue to draw trade interest and big names on the free agent market such as former Chicago Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta are starting to pick up steam, as well.

As for the Cubs, Joe Maddon spoke to the media about all matters of things, including a potential return to the leadoff spot for Kyle Schwarber. On the rumors side of things, Chicago has been connected to a bevy of potential targets, including Kansas City southpaw Danny Duffy.

A reunion with closer Wade Davis has not yet been ruled out, either. Of course, that seems contingent on his price dropping – but where those numbers play out remains to be seen. One thing, however, is for sure.

The Cubs are far from done this offseason and seem likely to make some type of move before things quiet down in Orlando.

Chicago Cubs: A hypothetical proposal coming to fruition?

After missing out on Shohei Ohtani, the Chicago Cubs still have a spot to fill in their starting rotation. Of course, the club inked right-hander Tyler Chatwood to a three-year, $38 million deal last week – but they could still use an impact arm.

According to reports, Danny Duffy might be just the arm they’re looking for. The Royals southpaw is coming off a very respectable 2017 campaign. He put up a 3.46 FIP and 1.257 WHIP in 24 starts – numbers very much in line with his career.

More importantly, he’s cost-controlled. As Murray points out in his piece with FanRag, he clocks in around $13 million annually. Adding Duffy to a rotation that already boasts a pair of solid left-handers in Jon Lester and Jose Quintana may help the Cubs punch a ticket back to the Fall Classic.

Of course, with multiple years left on his contract, he won’t come at a cheap price. Kansas City seems likely to rebuild after losing their ‘Core Four’, and a deal involving Danny Duffy may get that process rolling.

Chicago Cubs again checking in on Chris Archer this offseason

It seems like right about this time every season, the Chicago Cubs are linked to Chris Archer and the Tampa Bay Rays. Now that Chicago boasts not only a former Rays manager, but now a pitching coach, as well, it’s only getting worse.

This is where it gets interesting – and fairly nerve-wracking, as well. According to MLB.com, the Cubs have some level of interest in not only Archer, but closer Alex Colome, as well. Sure, that addresses two major needs – both a starter and closer – but you’re gonna empty the war chest to get a deal done.

You’re probably thinking I’m exaggerating. But that’s definitely not the case. As Phil Rogers points out, it would take a “monster return.” Think Ian Happ, Javier Baez, Albert Almora and plenty more. So while the staff gets a shot in the arm, the Cubs’ valuable position player depth trends in the opposite direction in a big way.

I still can’t see this one working out. Maybe for one of the two, but landing both comes at too steep a cost. And, from the Tampa Bay side of things, I think they get a better return by splitting the pair. Still, with the Cubs needing pitching and their long-documented history with Archer, you can’t sleep on this rumor.

Chicago Cubs manager talks shop at Winter Meetings

Joe Maddon, somehow, remains a controversial skipper on the North Side. A lot of old-school thinkers reject his forward-thinking ways and believe he’s cost the Cubs more than he’s helped them get. (Despite the fact he broke a 108-year World Series title drought). On Tuesday, he chatted with members of the media about the offseason and the upcoming 2018 campaign.

A wide array of topics came to the table, including Kyle Schwarber potentially leading off again next season. (Remember talking about controversy?)

"Regarding the leadoff thing, and I know there’s a lot of stuff written about that, it wasn’t — it was only failed in the sense that Kyle had a tough time last year. He could have hit one through nine and still had a tough time last year. Just it was not his year, although he rebounded really nicely."

It’s an interesting thought and we’ll see how it plays out. Schwarber was spotted in Orlando and told reporters he thinks he’s dropped around 25 pounds so far. A more athletic, well-rounded player could drastically change the make-up of the Cubs lineup.

Is Zobrist now a role player?

Another interesting topic: the role of Ben Zobrist in 2018. Of course, the veteran utility player struggled at the plate last season as his numbers across-the-board took a nosedive. A resurgent Zo adds further depth to an already-deep club.

"He’s working his butt off right now. I need to have my conversation with Zo to ask him what he thinks he can do. Honestly I don’t know. Like last year I thought as we worked out, we played him about the right amount of times last year and he was fine for us at the end of the year. That’s going to require a conversation, and probably I’ll get in touch with him as we get deeper into this off-season."

Chicago Cubs have work to do – even with Morrow

Brandon Morrow marked the first major relief acquisition of the winter for the Cubs. But, as we learned today, Chicago is far from done. The club made an offer to Luke Gregerson, as well. Of course, the veteran signed with St. Louis, but it shows the Cubs’ need for strong relievers.

The Padres are seeking middle infield help, with an eye on the Cubs. Aside from Brad Hand, it’s hard to envision much of a match on paper, but you never know. Here are some of the other headlines flying around the Winter Meetings:

• ‘Are the Phillies in on Arrieta? New report says ‘no”
• ‘Market for Carlos Gonzalez quickly taking shape’
• ‘Reds’ Hamilton could be on the move before week ends’ 
• ‘Multiple suitors in the mix for Orioles’ Machado’

Next: Reed could be jack-of-all-trades on the North Side

We’ll keep you posted on everything that goes down this week. For now, talks continue – and it appears like the lid could blow off in the next 24 hours. Expect pitching, pitching and more pitching on the Chicago Cubs front. That much is clear.