Cubs: Somehow, Jed Hoyer is ‘happy’ with his team’s middle infield

It’s the first day of workouts in Mesa – and we’ve gotten plenty of news out of Cubs camp already. With fans still holding out hope for a Carlos Correa signing, Jed Hoyer’s comments on his club’s middle infield mix post-Andrelton Simmons signing might offer a clue.

Yikes. It was fun while it lasted? With all the possible scenarios of Correa signing a one-year deal and this and that with his new agent, Scott Boras, Hoyer’s comments suggest Chicago isn’t serious about a potential Correa signing.

Hoyer went on to say that he was very confident in a tandem of Simmons and Nico Hoerner handling duties at shortstop. Newcomer Nick Madrigal looks like the likely second baseman – or, if he’s serving as a DH, the Cubs could go with Hoerner at second and Simmons at short, which would be an elite defensive combination.

Chicago Cubs: This roster is still full of holes that require attention

As you can see, Rogers also added in his own comment suggesting the Cubs will look to add in the outfield, as well. Seiya Suzuki being a name he has highlighted isn’t a bad place to start. Hopefully, if the Cubs actually wind up looking to add outfielders, they look at former Cubs Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber. Even someone like Eddie Rosario can produce solid offensive numbers and give the team a boost in the outfield. You’re obviously not going to get the same defense a Correa offers, but he comes at just a fraction of the cost.

On the pitching side, Hoyer has previously stated they were set in the starting rotation after signing both Wade Miley and Marcus Stroman early in the offseason. The Cubs definitely need help in the bullpen, but you can bet Carter Hawkins and Hoyer are re-evaluating the rotation with the news that Adbert Alzolay will open the year on the IL with a shoulder injury.

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There is still a ton of impact talent out there on the free agent market and, as we just saw on Monday with the Matt Olson trade, you never know what’s out there. We know the Cubs aren’t going to stand pat – but it sounds like they might be willing to pass on Correa.