Chicago Cubs News: Arbitration Deadline, Cub Convention, and more

Outside of the start of the Chicago Cubs convention, Friday was going to be an important day for the Cubs in regard to the 2023 season as it marked the deadline for the team and arbitration-eligible players to submit salary figures for the upcoming season. The Cubs entered the day with four players that were eligible for arbitration in second baseman Nick Madrigal, shortstop Nico Hoerner, relief pitcher Codi Heuer, and left fielder Ian Happ.

1. Second Baseman Nick Madrigal

Madrigal and the Cubs reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth $1.2MM. It remains to be seen regarding what role Madrigal is going to have with the Cubs in 2023. The addition of Dansby Swanson at the shortstop position pushes Hoerner to second base and Madrigal without a starting position. It's possible that the Cubs will look to trade Madrigal before the start of the 2023 season and the Boston Red Sox could be a team to watch.

2. Shortstop Nico Hoerner

Hoerner and the Cubs reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth $2.5MM. Hoerner figures to be an important piece to the long-term core of the Cubs and for that reason, it is encouraging that the two sides were able to find common ground.

3. Relief pitcher Codi Heuer

Heuer and the Cubs reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth $785K. Heuer missed the entire 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery but early projections have him ready to return by June. Heuer likely is still considered by the Cubs as a future late-inning reliever if not a closer out of the bullpen.

4. Left fielder Ian Happ

Happ is entering his final season with the Cubs before reaching free agency status next offseason. The Cubs have expressed an intent to re-sign Happ but there have yet to be any negotiations of substance regarding a long-term deal.

Chicago Cubs Convention Day 1

Nick Madrigal getting reps at third base

Given the limitations on Madrigal's arm strength, it seems unlikely that he would be able to play third base in any regular capacity. This could be a tactic by Hoyer to show other teams that the Cubs may not feel forced to trade Madrigal.

Chicago Cubs remain interested in Trey Mancini

The Cubs are still a team that may struggle to score runs this season and there is no doubt that adding Mancini would certainly improve that effort. A scenario where Mancini makes sense for the Cubs would be one where there is a platoon at first base with Matt Mervis and Eric Hosmer considering his advanced ability against left-handed pitchers and then Mancini would serve as the team's designated hitter.