With just over a month left until pitchers and catchers report to spring training on February 14, it is time to look back at the offseason losses and acquisitions that are likely to affect this 2017 Chicago Cubs team and their pursuit to repeat with another championship.
Signing of OF Jon Jay
The Cubs made their first notable move of this offseason in late November with the acquisition of OF Jon Jay from the San Diego Padres. Jay, who signed a one-year, $8 million contract, hit .291 in 347 at-bats with the Padres in 2016, and had an on-base percentage of .339. Jay will join the many other outfield options for the Cubs in 2017. However, Jay’s signing provided a sure sign to fans that lead-off man and center fielder Dexter Fowler would not be returning to the Cubs in 2016. Either Jay or OF Albert Almora will likely replace Fowler in center field in 2017.
Trade for closer Wade Davis
The Cubs made an important move in early December when they traded OF Jorge Soler to the Kansas City Royals for right-handed closer Wade Davis, after they expressed little interest in paying the high price free agent closer Aroldis Chapman, who ultimately signed a deal to return to the New York Yankees, was expecting. Davis had an impressive ERA of 1.87 and 27 saves in 2016. He also helped lead Kansas City to a World Series championship in 2015. Davis was a less expensive option than free agents Chapman and Kenley Jansen, and will likely have a large impact on this Cubs team.
Dexter Fowler signs with St. Louis
Then free agent OF Dexter Fowler was expected to sign with another team in 2017, but many Cubs fans were especially upset to find that he would sign with the Cubs NL Central rival St. Louis Cardinals in early December. Fowler’s departure is a big loss for the Cubs, as he had a large part in the Cubs’ 2016 championship run. However, the Cubs have many options to replace him in the outfield. RF Jason Heyward returns, along with Albert Almora, new acquisition Jon Jay and Kyle Schwarber, who returns from injury. Additionally, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez are all able to play outfield as well.
Signing of RHP Koji Uehara
In the final significant move of the offseason thus far, the Cubs signed right-handed free agent reliever Koji Uehara to a one-year deal reported to be worth $6 million. Uehara posted an ERA of 3.45 in 50 appearances with the Boston Red Sox in 2016. He is an important addition to a bullpen that may lose free agent Travis Wood and will likely see Mike Montgomery join the starting rotation in 2017.
With several important pitching acquisitions, a strong infield returning, and many options in the outfield, the Chicago Cubs have a good chance to make another championship run in 2017. Throughout spring training, look for the Cubs to determine who will start in the outfield and who will replace Dexter Fowler as the leadoff hitter.
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