Chicago Cubs News: Arbitration deadline, Cubs Con, and more

The Chicago Cubs Convention begins on Friday night but before then, there will be business to take care of Friday marks the deadline for teams and arbitration-eligible players to submit salary figures for the 2023 season.

For the Cubs, they have four eligible players in left fielder Ian Happ, shortstop Nico Hoerner, second baseman Nick Madrigal, and relief pitcher Codi Heuer.

MLB Trade Rumors have the following projected figures for each player:

1. Left fielder Ian Happ: $10.06MM

2. Shortstop Nico Hoerner: $2.2MM

3. Relief pitcher Codi Heuer: $800K

4. Second baseman Nick Madrigal: $1.1MM

There is no question that Happ will be the player to watch regarding the figure that the Cubs submit and the figure submitted by the All-Star left fielder. If the figures are close, that could be a positive sign for the Cubs and their efforts to sign Happ to a long-term extension before he reaches free agency next offseason.

Madrigal will be an interesting case to follow as well considering there may be an expectation that he is moved by the Cubs before the start of the season. The Boston Red Sox are in need of a middle infielder and there could be a trade to be made with the Cubs for Madrigal.

Chicago Cubs Convention begins Friday Night

For the first time since 2020, the Chicago Cubs convention is back and will be in-person. Cubs players and prospects took to twitter to express their excitement.

Just landed in Chi #CubsCon 👀🔥
— Brennen Davis (@BrennenDavis__) January 13, 2023

Wheels down in Chicago! Ready for #CubsCon weekend, can’t wait to meet all the fans!! Let’s go Cubs!! 🐻
— Ryan Jensen (@rystacks24) January 13, 2023

AR ✈️ CHI #CubsCon
See y’all soon!!
— Jordan Wicks (@jordan_wicks99) January 12, 2023

✈️ ✈️ to Cubs Con!! Excited to meet everyone!
— Jameson Taillon (@JTaillon50) January 12, 2023

Eric Hosmer Signing update

The Chicago Cubs signing of veteran free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer has yet to be made official. While there is likely no Carlos Correa situation at play here with the Cubs and Hosmer, there is a corresponding roster move that would need to be made by the Cubs once the signing does become official. Perhaps that is the reason for the delay as the Cubs are determine what the move will be.

Alfonso Rivas signs with the San Diego Padres

#Padres continuing to fill out their non-roster invites:

1B Alfonso Rivas has signed a minor league deal with the team.

Hit .235/.322/.307 with three homers in 101 games with the #Cubs last year.

Was released last week.
— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) January 13, 2023

PJ Higgins signs with the Arizona Diamondbacks

Catcher PJ Higgins is signing with Dbacks, NRI with MLB camp invite.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 12, 2023

Chicago Cubs add right-hander reliever on minor-league deal

The #Cubs signed veteran right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli with an invite to spring training. He'll earn $775,000 in the big leagues or $162,000 in the minors. Nittoli, 32,pitched two games for the #Phillies last year and also in the minors for the #Yankees and #BlueJays in 2022
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 12, 2023

Chicago Cubs prospect headed to the World Baseball Classic

Great news for Team Israel at @WBCBaseball:@Cubs 1B prospect Matt Mervis (@mmervis12) is listed on Israel’s preliminary tournament roster. Mervis posted a .984 OPS with 36 HR in 137 games at 3 affiliates in 2022.@ILBaseball @MLBNetwork @MLBPipeline @WatchMarquee
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 12, 2023

Chicago Cubs' Spring Training dates to know

Chicago Cubs Spring Training reporting dates are official. Let's go!

Pitchers and catchers report February 15.
Position players report February 20. pic.twitter.com/HqIF7i6Xgi
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) January 12, 2023