The Chicago Cubs were fresh off a World Series Championship. They were riding high on their victory in Game 7, and expectations were lofty. They lost their closer from last season in Aroldis Chapman–who they expected not to sign with them. So they made a trade: Wade Davis, an accomplished closer who was coming off of back-to-back All-Star seasons for Jorge Soler.
What we did know. Davis was an established closer who saved 44-of-48 opportunities in the last two years with a 1.30 ERA combined. And he did not disappoint in 2017, saving 32-of-33 opportunities with a 2.