The first big domino fell on the position-player side of the MLB free-agent class when catcher Yasmani Grandal agreed to terms with the Chicago White Sox.
The team announced his four-year, $73 million deal Thursday. It will pay him $18.25 million annually, making him the highest-paid player on the roster, ahead of first baseman Jose Abreu, who accepted a one-year, $17.8 million qualifying offer earlier this month.
Meanwhile, on Chicago's North Side, the Cubs are gearing up for a busy offseason of their own.
After a disappointing 84-78 campaign, the team parted ways with manager Joe Maddon, and there's a good chance he won't be the only familiar face to leave town this winter.