Cubs News: Roki Sasaki narrows his list of teams; prospect Michael Arias DFAd

Well, it was fun while it lasted... right? Any hopes of the Chicago Cubs pulling off a shocker and signing Roki Sasaki ended on Monday night. I had just hopped on the train home and, suffice to say, the reactions of Cubs fans online did not disappoint.

The disappointment is real - and understandable - but the news shouldn't have blindsided anybody. Since the beginning, the belief was that Sasaki would wind up out west, so seeing the Dodgers and Padres as two of the three finalists checks out. The other finalist, the Toronto Blue Jays, are somewhat of a surprise, but we'll see how things shake out.

Chicago has an underwhelming rotation mix, with decent depth behind the projected starting five, but it's clear they could stand to make a big rotation addition between now and Opening Day. There's a major drop-off after Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga and, despite how spectacular he was in his rookie season, we all need to keep in mind that regression is a possibility for Imanaga in 2025.

Cubs DFA Michael Arias - a pitching prospect with plenty of intrigue

To make room for Colin Rea, who signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the team, the Cubs designated pitching prospect Michael Arias for assignment in a somewhat surprising move.

Arias, the Cubs' 18th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline and 11th-ranked prospect per FanGraphs, is a former infielder-turned-pitcher who possesses some big-time stuff but has struggled with command during his transition to the mound. In his professional career, the right-hander has walked 6.7 batters per nine - including an ungodly 8.9 BB/9 mark with Triple-A Iowa last season.

Given the fact he possesses a mid-90s sinker and decent slider - change-up combination and has next to no innings on his arm given his move from the infield, teams will no-doubt have interest in Arias, either via trade or a waiver claim. He's been a guy the Cubs and fans have been intrigued by for awhile now. Chicago placed him on the 40-man last winter to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

Jeff Hoffman's physicals threw up all kinds of red flags to teams

Right-hander Jeff Hoffman, who signed with Toronto over the weekend, reportedly failed physicals with not only the Baltimore Orioles but also the Atlanta Braves. Eventually, he got a three-year, $33 million guarantee from the Blue Jays, but the health issues may very well have been enough to scuttle a deal with the Cubs, who were a potential fit for the

Hoffman, who was drafted in the first round by Toronto back in 2014, established himself as a quality bullpen piece with the Philadelphia Phillies over the last two years, posting a 2.28 ERA/2.54 FIP across 122 appearances.