Chicago Cubs Rumors: Roki Sasaki posting, Garrett Crochet mystery team, Matthew Boyd

The MLB Winter Meetings have arrived.

On the eve of the first day of baseball's most important offseason gathering, Juan Soto signed a historic deal with the New York Mets. Soto signed the largest deal in professional sports history in a deal that will now clear the way for their to be a flurry of activity.

For the Cubs, the best possible outcome was Soto signing before the Winter Meetings. The Cubs dangling Cody Bellinger in trade with the hope that a team who missed out on Soto will now turn their attention to the former National League MVP. We're looking at you, New York Yankees.

Nevertheless, an early look at what is making news the first day of the Winter Meetings.

Chicago Cubs Rumors: Roki Sasaki officially posted

Roki Saski's posting window has officially opened.

The Cubs are believed to be in the mix for Sasaki but to no surprise, there have been whispers that the Los Angeles Dodgers may already have an understanding with Japanese starting pitcher. While those claims have been downplayed, the Dodgers remain the overwhelming favorite to sign Sasaki this offseason.

Chicago Cubs Rumors: NL Central team jumps into the Garrett Crochet trade talks

We wrote earlier today that the process of elimination would suggest that the Chicago Cubs may have the upper hand in trade talks for Garrett Crochet, but a new NL Central team has entered the mix.

The Brewers trading for Crochet would be the worst possible outcome for the Cubs. The Cubs are trying to close the gap with the Brewers but that will only extend further if Milwaukee lands the top pitcher available on the trade market.

Chicago Cubs Rumors: Matthew Boyd's official contract numbers leaves room for 2025 payroll

The official contract numbers for Matthew Boyd's two-year deal with the Cubs have been revealed.

Boyd's deal leaves the Cubs with payroll flexibility this offseason. In an offseason where the Cubs are wanting to move Bellinger to clear space, the initial reporting of Boyd earning $29MM over the next two seasons didn't add up. However, given the breakdown, the deal is not prohibitive to further moves the Cubs' front office can make this winter.