Chicago Cubs News: Manny Machado v. Bryce Harper; final rotation spot

The Chicago Cubs continue to seek bullpen and rotation help. All the while, the team keeps a watchful eye on the star-studded 2018 offseason.

This time of year normally marks Hot Stove season. This year, there’s been hardly the slightest hint at an ember – with most of the top free agents still without homes. The Chicago Cubs remain connected to plenty of guys, including top hurler Yu Darvish – but nothing has yet transpired.

Should the Cubs miss out on Darvish, Mike Montgomery could be a rotation answer. We broke down what that could mean for Chicago moving forward yesterday. If Montgomery moves to the rotation – how many more relievers need to come into the fold to put the Cubs over the top?

Of course, next winter brings a loaded free agent class. Manny Machado and Bryce Harper headline this group – with the potential of guys like Clayton Kershaw opting out of current deals. With the Cubs continuously connected to Machado in recent weeks, could the Orioles star compete with Harper for Chicago’s attention next winter?

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs fans look at the Cardinals and ask: ‘Why not us?’
• Cubs now boast a top 10 farm system in all of baseball
• Cubs: Willson Contreras again makes it clear: he wants to stay
• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side

As the calendar flips over to 2018, the stove will no-doubt heat up. What moves does Theo Epstein have up his sleeve? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

These and other stories you’ve missed

‘Did Theo think about Yu for eight crazy nights? – The Athletic

‘Cubs could do much worse than Monty in rotation’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Former coach Jerry Kendall passes away’ – ESPN

‘Weighing Bryce Harper v. Manny Machado for Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Singleton’s message transcends baseball’ – MLB.com

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