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.
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.