To say the Cubs haven’t been aggressive in the free agent and trade market is a massive understatement. When the top pitcher signing is 27-year-old Jharel Cotton and there haven’t been any positon player additions, “quiet offseason” takes on a whole new meaning.
Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg and soon Josh Donaldson have or will sign huge deals. Nicholas Castellanos has said he would re-sign with the Cubs for anything close to a fair offer.
Top Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama, who would have addressed the Cubs’ need in center field and atop the order, reportedly signed for three years at just over $7 million a year.