Cubs Rumors: Giants interested in Heyward, Harper still a possibility?

(Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
1 of 4
Next
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

As we creep towards the start of Chicago Cubs Spring Training, all we’re indeed left with is a bag of rumors. Sources don’t seem very reliable anymore. So we are left with rumors. So what rumors remain for the Cubs?

This winter has been quite the drag on Chicago Cubs’ fans. The hope was the team would come out, guns blazing with the new TV network coming soon–ready to sign EVERYBODY. But that wasn’t the case. Fans have held on to the hope that Bryce Harper will end up a Cub. Possible? He hasn’t signed anywhere else, so yes.

Another has been the talk of the Cubs “freeing up” space financially. The problem with that is any contract they want to move will be near impossible. The biggest of those that people think of is Jason Heyward. And while he’s been an offensive disappointment with that contract, the Cubs still think highly of him and won’t just give him away for what would likely be another bad contract. The Cubs have done that before, back in the Jim Hendry days.

(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

More from Cubbies Crib

Chicago Cubs: So there’s still a chance?

So is Harper coming to Chicago? If so, which side? Or is he headed to Philadelphia where maybe they’ll put a statue where Rocky Balboa’s use to stand? At this point, we’re all just guessing. Now, first know, I trust Charles the Cat as much as any other Twitter source. Why? Because I’ve seen him be right, or on the right path more times than not.

But remember, this is a rumor piece. None of this is gospel. He does believe that Harper’s camp will come back around and check with the Cubs before signing. Scott Boras knows the Cubs have the money. If they spend it or not might be a different story.

And it appears that the Cubs are not “100% out.” So whoever they’re dangling this line for–the fans or Harper–is anybody’s guess. But the Cubs are going to find it hard to “move money.” Free agents are signing cheaper and shorter deals, and are less interested in what the Cubs have to offer. I’ll be that guy. I’m perfectly okay going into the 2019 season with what they have. One caveat would be the position of backup catcher. But beggars can’t be choosers. But no Harper or Manny Machado? I’m chill with that. I’m counting on several to pick up the pace from last year, but I think they will.

(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: We loved the speech, but is that enough?

And the Harper situation leads us back to another rumor. The Giants seem to be still intrigued by the thought of trying to acquire Heyward. For what cost now is unknown. The rumor started several years ago, with the possibility of Mark Melancon and Jeff Samardzija coming to the Cubs. It gained steam again the beginning of this year, as reported by Evan Altman of Cubs Insider.

The issue is that while the fans see this signing as the “biggest signing flop in Cubs history,” (you know I’m not lying when I say that), the Cubs don’t see it that way. No, Heyward seems to be using a bat four inches too short and five ounces too heavy. But that glove? Mmmm, that thing is made of gold with an arm to match.

And Heyward has proven himself to be a leader and solid teammate in the clubhouse, even when his performance on the field has suffered. How often do you see someone making his amount of money sitting on the bench and not making a public nuisance at every chance? Rarely ever. And that’s part of his value. And the Cubs don’t want to give that up for nothing–or especially what would be deemed a “loss.”

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: These really aren’t the things we want to be talking about

Sadly, these type of rumors pieces are all we have right now, as everyone seems to be either, A) tight-lipped about anything. Or B) claims said players are signing EVERYWHERE at one time. We don’t have sources here. We read. We digest. We dissect. And we generally end up wrong like 95% of the population.

Every once in a while, we hit on one of these rumors. But it’s often times by chance. But if you’ve ever believed that the “sources” from the big guys do it any differently? You’d be surprised. Inside info is always there. I have it on good account that I had a salad for lunch. Twitter has shown I may have had a burger and fries. Ok, not a great analogy, but you get the idea. Nobody really knows what will happen.

Next. Strop needs to be the full-time closer, not Morrow. dark

This is the season for it, and we’re not ashamed to take a shot and say, “Hey, we think Harper isn’t coming here, even if his dog is named Wrigley”.” If we’re wrong, are you really going to be unhappy about that? But we’re ready to be out of the ‘rumors’ phase and back into actual baseball being played. I think we’re all ready for that day.

Next