Seriously, anyone with even a decent understanding of Jed Hoyer's bullpen-building strategy and the organizational trends behind them saw this one coming a mile away. According to Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, the Chicago Cubs have reportedly agreed to a deal with veteran southpaw Hoby Milner.
Mark Feinsand adds it's a one-year deal for Milner worth $3.75 million (plus possible incentives) - so this definitely isn't a move that breaks the budget and fits the bill for the type of deal the Cubs give out every offseason.
Milner figures to slot into the void left by departing veterans Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz, slotting in alongside fellow newcomer Phil Maton as a key piece of Craig Counsell's bullpen.