Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein still has a chance to score big

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The offseason is dwindling down, but there is still time for the Chicago Cubs to make some sizable moves. Can Theo Epstein land TWO more free agents before the winter comes to an end?

The free agency period has been a weird one not just for the Chicago Cubs, but everyone else as well. Currently, 11 of the top 15 players in free agency are still available. So while there is the talent to be had, it doesn’t seem like they are too keen on picking a new place to play. Yu Darvish has a “list” of finalists, while J.D. Martinez is willing to wait things out to get a six-year deal. Even if that means spring training starting with him still without a team.

The Cubs have been linked to almost every starter left on the market. From Alex Cobb and Darvish, even back to Jake Arrieta–who many thought there was NO shot at him coming back to Chicago. Now you have the conversation that Greg Holland is on the Cubs radar, and it’s just one big party, and the Cubs are the guest of honor.

But what are the chances of Theo Epstein nabbing not one, but two of the remaining top free agents? There’s no doubt the Cubs have the money to do it. But would it be financially responsible for the Cubs? And how would it affect next year, including Bryce Harper? C’mon, you knew that was coming.

(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Yu Darvish: 10-12, 3.86 ERA, 209 SO, 1.163 WHIP

For a pitcher with a 10-12 record last season, Yu Darvish sure is playing up his free agency. I’m aware that he got the stuff to be an excellent pitcher. But he’s yet to put it all together, although injuries may have had a part in that. What’s troubling is his inconsistency. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Darvish struck out 10 in each of his first two starts with the Dodgers. But what many remember are his final two starts of 2017.

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Darvish took the ball in Game 3 and 7 of the World Series against the Houston Astros. He failed to make it out of the second inning in either start. It was later shared that Darvish was tipping his pitches. Some felt that let him off the hook a little, but the result was still the same.

The Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs are on his final list. It’s rumored that his vague Tweet might have been referring to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that’s still unknown. But with the Rangers not likely to spend the money on a big name, and the Twins in a similar boat–the Cubs chances are as good as any to land Darvish.

Alex Cobb: 12-10, 3.66 ERA, 128 SO, 1.221 WHIP

It seemed like a sure thing at the beginning of the offseason that the Cubs would land Alex Cobb. It wasn’t as much a matter of if, but when. But here we are in the second week of January, and the Cubs still haven’t signed him. But Joe Maddon isn’t upset with him, as he knows Cobb is simply trying to do what’s best for his family. So if he’s not looking for an exorbitant amount of money, what is he looking for?

It seems as if no one wants to be the pitcher that sets the market. And that could be the reason that Cobb is waiting back to see what happens with Arrieta, Darvish or even Lance Lynn. The Cubs have already added Tyler Chatwood on a three-year, $38 million deal. It was rumored the Cubs offered Cobb similar deal, but he balked at it. With Maddon and former pitching coach Jim Hickey, this seemed like a sure thing. Now, not so much.

With spring training just over a month away, Cobb might have to make a decision soon. The Cubs, Brewers, and Twins have all been linked to Cobb. And from what some have surmised? It will be the…Philadelphia Phillies? I can’t see that being the case. Although at this point, it’s anybody’s guess.

Jake Arrieta: 14-10, 3.53 ERA, 163 SO, 1.218 WHIP

When the season ended for Jake Arrieta, and he walked off that mound for the last time–we all assumed that was his curtain call for the Cubs. But lo and behold, here we are talking about a possible reunion between him and the Cubs. While it might be a little far-fetched, there is a possibility the Cubs might make this happen. If Arrieta comes down on his original demands.

When the offseason began, Arrieta was thought to be looking for a six to seven-year deal. As the market has cooled, so have his demands. There are talks that the Cubs might offer him in the range of four-years for $110 million, but none of that has been verified. It’s all talk, and mostly by the group of us that needs something to write about.

But if there’s one thing to remember about all of these starters, its that the Cubs know Arrieta the best. There’s been no Tommy John for Arrieta. While Darvish and Cobb have had surgery, it’s been a relatively clean bill of health for Jake. The Cubs know Arrieta and what his body can handle. If you’re going to shell out big money, don’t you want to know where it’s going?

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Holland and any one of these would be a win

While I’m not a big fan of Greg Holland as I talked about earlier, any combination of one of these starters plus him would be a win for Theo Epstein. While most teams are sitting back, waiting for the market to set itself, Epstein could corner it with two big deals. And at this point, I’m not sure I’d be upset with any of them.

My concern with Darvish was that he was rocked in the World Series. Knowing that he was tipping them gives me some comfort that he can rectify that. Arrieta is known well by the Cubs’ organization and could be the safest bet of them all. And Cobb is an excellent competitor with familiar faces all around in Chicago, including Drey Smyly. Why wouldn’t he want to be here?

Next: Has anyone in the Central done enough?

The Cubs could go with Steve Cishek or Brandon Morrow at closer and I wouldn’t be upset. But to have Holland at the backend, and those two before him? Plus the added addition of one of these starters to the rotation? C’mon, Theo. That’s the way you should do it. #ThatsCub

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