Chicago Cubs: Pivoting to free agency in the Mock Winter Meetings

Putting the finishing touches on this week’s FanSided Mock Winter Meetings, our variation of the Chicago Cubs made a couple last-minute free agent signings.

Just like that, we’re close to wrapping up another annual FanSided Mock Winter Meetings. For the last time, I’m reminding you all that the moves we’re about to talk about have not happened. This isn’t the real world – this is our own variation of the Chicago Cubs with the team here at Cubbies Crib playing GM.

If you’re just joining us, here’s what’s gone down so far. It’s been far from the insanity-driven offseason you’d all like to see. (In case you’re wondering, as of Thursday evening, the leading bid for Bryce Harper sat at 12 years and $480 million in this simulation). Instead, we focused on shoring up the bullpen, while dealing from a position of strength.

We kicked off the mock offseason dealing Mike Montgomery and a pair of prospects to within the division to the Cincinnati Reds. In return, we landed hard-throwing right-handed reliever Raisel Iglesias – a sure-fire option to fill the ninth inning should Brandon Morrow fall victim to injuries again next season.

Chicago followed that by trading Albert Almora to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for southpaw reliever Brad Hand, who’s coming off yet another stellar campaign split between Cleveland and San Diego.

With those moves in mind, we made a pair of free agency signings heading into the final day.