Chicago Cubs News: Xander Bogaert signs with Padres, Rumors, and more

The Chicago Cubs are down to Carlos Correa or Dansby Swanson at the top of their free-agent wish list as the San Diego Padres and Xander Bogaerts agreed to a massive 11-year deal on Wednesday night.

On Wednesday morning, reports began to surface regarding the level of interest that the Cubs had in Bogaerts as the team's interest was described as due diligence with Correa and Swanson being options 1 and 2 for the team. Gordon Wittenmyer appeared to confirm that idea in his latest for NBC Sports Chicago as he reports that the Cubs' did not extend an offer to Bogaerts.

"The Cubs weren't among the bidders for Bogaerts by the time this week's Winter Meetings began, so his signing didn't mean they lost out on a targeted player, only that it likely raised the price on the players they are targeting — perhaps even more than Turner’s deal Monday did for that remaining group."

- NBC Sports Chicago

It has been interesting to see how the Cubs' interest in the shortstops has been reported this offseason. Earlier this week, there were reports that the Cubs involved former starting pitcher Jon Lester in their recruiting pitch for Bogaerts. That would seem to go against the idea that the team never submitted an offer to the former Boston Red Sox shortstop. What is clear, according to Wittenmyer, is that Correa and Swanson remain the top targets for the Cubs and the team may have a more realistic path toward signing the former Atlanta Braves shortstop.

"The Cubs remain very much in the mix for Correa and Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson, according to multiple sources — one of several teams with offers on the table for Correa. "

- NBC Sports Chicago

We appear to be approaching the conclusion in regard to the Cubs' pursuit of the top free-agent shortstops. If the Cubs come away from this offseason striking out on each of the top four free-agent shortstops, there is no question that this offseason will be viewed as a failure.

Notes and Rumors from Day 4 of the Winter Meetings

The Boston Red Sox signed Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida to a five-year contract.

The Cubs remain in discussion with veteran pitcher Drew Smyly about a potential reunion.

Congratulations to Chicago Cubs' radio broadcast Pat Hughes on being elected to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

Seiya Suzuki will be playing with Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic next Spring.

Yes, the Cubs will be interested in Shohei Ohtani when he hits free agency next offseason.