Cubs: 3 storylines to watch as pitchers and catchers report

Chicago Cubs pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Wednesday, and there will be a particular focus on the arms.

The Cubs’ offseason has mostly been defined by the decision to trade ace Yu Darvish and jumpstart the transition period in earnest. Of course, Darvish is far from the only arm to depart this winter.

Jon Lester is now in Washington, D.C. after establishing a legacy as perhaps the best free-agent in franchise history. Jose Quintana will head west to join the Los Angeles Angels, and Tyler Chatwood is joining the youth movement in Toronto.

Chicago’s bullpen will also look different, as the Cubs non-tendered Ryan Tepera while Jeremy Jeffress remains a free agent. The team added a pair of veteran arms to the rotation in Jake Arrieta and Trevor Williams, but they are coming off shaky stretches in their respective careers. Meanwhile, the bullpen is still something of a mystery.

Here are three storylines to watch as pitchers report to camp.