*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter Cyforce
- Start date
The likelihood that he comes close to repeating what he did in 2025 is not high IMO. He's 37 and the Cubs caught lightning in a bottle as he hadn't pitched in the big leagues since 2021 and wasn't doing anything great in the minors either before the Cubs took a flyer on him.
Doubt that’s the case. Might be a situation where they just weren’t that interested in a higher cost reunion considering they already signed Maton/Milner/Thielbar. Maton was just as good analytically last year, cheaper and a longer track record of success.
I just don’t recall any real chatter connecting Keller back to the Cubs. They are also probably still in the running for Fairbanks.
He definately earned it. Question is are the Phillies going to let him compete for a rotation spot in spring training or will he be strictly a reliever? The article on MLB.com says they play to use him as a reliever so at $11 mil AAV doesn't surprise me the Cubs passed on that.
Happy for Keller, but I don't blame the Cubs for not paying him $11M for the next 2 years.
Looking at the current roster, Cubs have a lot of arms that can fill the set-up relief spots on the opening day roster. If I have one concern, it would be closer. Don't feel comfortable putting all my eggs in Palencia. Maybe Porter Hodge can find his 2024 effectiveness.
So if the Cubs are going to spend $11M on a reliever, do so on a closer.
Hodge needs to stay down here in Des Moines till he figures it out. He was awful last year, but did at times show he can have some nasty stuff.
Will the Cubs make ANY meaningful additions to the club this winter? Or do we have to watch Ricketts gleefully waving around his megamillions "savings"...got to be mindful of a budget after all. I wish that lard ass would monetize his quadrupling of the Cubs' market value since he bought the team and sell the club to someone who cares.
I think our last shot is probably Bregman. And I don’t have high hopes about it.
And spend it on more of a proven closer with some tread left and not a gamble on some washed up setup guy or closer like Pressly and Braiser were last year. It's been awhile since they actually spent some money on a quality back end of the rotation reliever and I'm not expecting them to do that this offseason either even though they should.
Agree that Chicago isn't the place to work things out, I'm hoping that a few Cubs pitchers can "figure" things out over the off-season from a health, new pitch, etc. persepctive. Those guys are: Hodge, Brown, Little & Wicks.
One free-agent reliever that might be a good Cubs target is Michael Kopech of the Dodgers. Hard thrower and he's coming off an injury plagued season. But, he's expected to sign for about the same amount as Keller.
He was getting awful in Des Moines too. I agree he needs to stay in the minors to figure things out.
Saw on CBSSports that SF Giants are interested in Nico Hoerner. I'd like to think Nico is untouchable, but could explain why Cubs have been linked to Bregman this offseason. Play Bregman at 3B and move Shaw to 2B.
The article also talks about Bo Bichette willing to play 2B. If the Cubs are interested in moving Hoerner, then Bichette would be a solid choice at second. And a power upgrade over Nico.
Would be curious what the Cubs could get for a player of Nico's talents.
The article also talks about Bo Bichette willing to play 2B. If the Cubs are interested in moving Hoerner, then Bichette would be a solid choice at second. And a power upgrade over Nico.
Would be curious what the Cubs could get for a player of Nico's talents.
From what you read and hear the Cubs FO places a premium on Nico due to his leadership and impeccable work habits. It would take a really attractive offer or possibly a perfect match for them to deal him.
Nico's from the Bay Area and a free agent after next season.
So the Cubs might feel like Shaw can develop into a similar type clubhouse player as Hoerner with more slug. But not enough slug to be at 3B and Shaw's under team control until 2031.
I agree, if the Cubs are going to trade Nico, then they better sign a player like Bichette or Bregman. Then make sure they get a few solid prospects who project to be in Chicago in 2027 or 2028.
Dude hasn’t played in the MLB since 2019. Front office and ownership throwing pennies at players and hoping they over perform. Starting to get a little old.
There are a few American players who washed out on their initial MLB careers, went to Japan had success and came back to become solid MLB players the 2nd time around. Colin Rea did so. This is a pretty typical FO move around baseball.
Would be surprised if the Cubs have much invested. If Austin can spell Busch at 1B and be a power RH bat as a PH then Austin fills a need.
It's not like the Cubs didn't take similar gambles last off-season with Keller and Pomeranz.
Let's bring back Patrick Wisdom while we are shopping in the bargain bin! Lol, I'm not even shocked anymore by a signing like this, I pretty much expect it. At least its on a cheap deal so won't be much dead salary when we have to eventually DFA him.
