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.
Chicago Cubs: Taking some of the load off Willson
Let’s be clear here. We’re well aware Jonathan Lucroy isn’t the guy he once was. Don’t expect him to finish Top 5 in MVP voting as he did back in 2014, when he smacked a league-leading 53 doubles and hit .301 for the Brewers.
But that’s not to say he can’t serve a purpose for the Cubs.
Last year, we saw what an overloaded work balance could mean for Willson Contreras. He fell flat on his face offensively, taking a huge step backward from 2017. Simply put, we need someone who can eat innings and give him a blow regularly.
Lucroy hit just .241 last year, but that’s not what we’re bringing him in for. He’s trended downward in both defense and offense, but with the opportunity to work in a division he spent a long time in and with a veteran staff, we think he could bounce back as the team’s backup.
He’s played a little bit of first base in the past and could, in theory, help give Anthony Rizzo a day off from time-to-time, as well. For one year and just $5 million, this is a deal we were all too willing to make.
Chicago Cubs: Jon Jay returns on the cheap for depth
After trading Albert Almora and with more moves in the works in the outfield, we decided depth was key – and brought back veteran Jon Jay on a one-year, $1 million deal.
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This year, Jay split the campaign between Kansas City and Arizona and was recognized for his defensive work as a finalist for a Gold Glove. He hit .301 with the Royals, but faded badly with the Diamondbacks, hitting just .231 with a .304 OBP – a far cry from what he’s done in his career.
With the Cubs in 2017, Jay was a consummate professional. He ground through at-bats and played a great center field for Chicago.
On the year, he slashed .296/.374/.375 for his best OPS since 2014. Really, it was nothing but good things from Jay in a Cubs uniform.
Someone like Terrence Gore isn’t a viable option on a 25-man roster. He’s just not. The guy can’t hit and as much as we’d like to have that kind of speed, the combination of defense and offense Jay brings to the table was too much to pass up.
We attempted to bring back Justin Wilson on a one-year, $4 million deal, but the Pirates apparently felt good enough about the lefty to offer two years and $10 million. With Brian Duensing, Randy Rosario and Brad Hand in tow, we felt good enough to let them take that deal.
So, with just one day left in the FanSided MLB Mock Offseason, we’ve got a couple more potential moves. Be sure to check back in tomorrow morning to see how we cap off this simulation.