The arbitration deadline is approaching, with the Cubs having three arbitration-eligible players. Justin Steele has already reached an agreement with the team, signing a one-year deal worth $6.775 million. Javier Assad was expected to be the only other Cub who might reach a deal today, but the acquisition of Edward Cabrera on Wednesday added another player to the mix.
Less than a day after the trade became official, the Cubs and Cabrera needed to negotiate a contract to avoid an arbitration hearing. Last offseason, after trading for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs were unable to reach an agreement with him by the deadline.