The MLB offseason has been heating up since the Winter Meetings started this season with the Yankees trading for Giancarlo Stanton and the Angels signing Shohei Ohtani. Following their first World Series victory since 1908, the Chicago Cubs finished the 2017 season with a 92-70 record, winning the NL Central. The Cubs have been busy at the Winter Meetings and show no signs of slowing down. Here are the top rumors surrounding the Cubs that you need to know.
ATTENTION Chicago Cubs Fans! LIKE and FOLLOW Cubs HQ by Chat Sports
Cubs Sign Closer Steve Cishek
The Cubs grabbed another relief pitcher from the Winter Meetings Thursday, agreeing to a multi-year contract with former Marlins and Mariners closer Steve Cishek, according to Chicago Sun-Times.
In his six seasons with the Marlins, he recorded 94 saves, proving to be a reliable late-inning guy. The 31-year-old started the season with the Mariners before he was traded to the Rays, pitching 44.2 innings last season while posting a 2.01 ERA.
Jake Arrieta High Price Tag
On Tuesday, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported that agent Scott Boras is trying to engage the Washington Nationals on free agent starting pitcher Jake Arrieta.
Scott Boras is trying to engage the #Nationals on Jake Arrieta, sources say. The Nats already have $385M invested in Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. But that hasn’t stopped Boras from making his pitch to Ted Lerner.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 12, 2017
The Nationals have a strong history with Boras clients, but the club already has a lot of money tied up in key players and Bryce Harper. In the late hours on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that the Nationals aren't sure they can afford to sign Arrieta.
Nats aren’t sure they have the money for Arrieta so they’re looking at trades first. Archer, Odorizzi are on their radar. Greinke may be too. Remember, Nats gm Mike Rizzo once agreed to trade for Greinke (Zack invoked no-trade that time)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2017
Arrieta reportedly wants somewhere around $200 million and if this is true, the Nationals may have to turn their attention somewhere else.
Hector Rondon Drawing Interest
Early Thursday morning, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reported that Cubs relief pitcher Hector Rondon is drawing free agent interest from the Nationals and Astros.
Expect relief arms to keep coming off board this quickly. Hector Rondon could sign soon, with HOU and WSH among suitors, per source. Same on Fernando Rodney, with TEX, MIN, ARZ, NYM, DET among interested clubs.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 14, 2017
The 29-year-old right-hander posted a 4.24 ERA, and 69/20 K/BB ratio over 57 1/3 innings of relief in 2017.
Follow our Chicago Cubs news page for all the latest Cubs news!
Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
Back to the Chicago Cubs Newsfeed