Chicago Cubs News: A look at the White Sox, Pablo Lopez, and more

From 2019 through 2022, the window was there for the Chicago White Sox to take over the city of Chicago from the Chicago Cubs. The White Sox were doing everything right as they were able to lock up their young stars to team-friendly contract extensions and had emerging game-changing talents in outfielders Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert. The hiring of manager Tony La Russa in 2021 threw a wrench in the White Sox trajectory and played a factor in why the team was bounced from the playoffs in the first round in 2021 and missed the playoffs in 2022.

The White Sox have hired Pedro Grifol to replace La Russa as the team's manager and their only additions this offseason have been outfielder Andrew Benintendi and starting pitcher Mike Clevinger. Despite question marks remaining on the White Sox roster in right field and second base, Vinnie Parise of Southside Showdown mentions that the team is done making moves this offseason.

I understand that White Sox news is not why you came here but this does have an impact on the Cubs. The Cubs have spent over $300MM in free-agent spending this offseason. The Cubs are on the verge of returning to being the best baseball team in Chicago. It will be interesting to see how the start of the season plays out. If the White Sox struggle or are inconsistent as they were last season, they could be sellers at the trade deadline, and there are a few players that could be of interest to the Cubs if they are in contention.

St. Louis Cardinals eyeing Pablo Lopez.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the St. Louis Cardinals are interested in trading for Miami Marlins' starting pitcher Pablo Lopez and that would not be ideal for the Chicago Cubs.

"The Cardinals, Twins and Rockies are among the teams linked to Miami’s Pablo Lopez, who seems to be the most likely to go in a trade. "

- New York Post

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