Chicago Cubs Winter Meetings Rumor Thread: Day 1

The masses have assembled upon Washington D.C. as Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings are this week. What will the Chicago Cubs do?

The Winter Meetings are here.

Typically, the winter meetings are where teams complete a bulk of their off-season moves. For instance, last off-season at the Winter Meetings, the Cubs signed outfielder Jason Heyward and veteran infielder Ben Zobrist. The Cubs also dealt Starlin Castro to the New York Yankees during the 2015 MLB Winter Meetings.

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What will happen for the Cubs at this year’s Winter Meetings?

The Cubs are entering the 2016 Winter Meetings as World Series champions. While most teams are looking to copy the Cubs’ way of rebuilding, the Cubs will be looking to address their pitching staff this week. The Cubs are looking for a cost-controlled starting pitcher in addition to help at the back-end of their rotation.

Lets take a look at the latest rumors involving the Cubs on Day 1 of the Winter Meetings.

Update 10:35 AM–Cubs listed as one of six teams interested in free agent closer Kenley Jansen.

There were reports earlier this off-season, the Cubs were doing their due diligence in terms of checking in on Jansen but Bowden’s report seems to take it to the next level.

The Cubs have a need for a closer and Jansen is one of the top closers on the market. Jansen notched 47 saves for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season while posting a 1.83 ERA.

Jansen is set to receive a lucrative contract this off-season and the Cubs certainly have the money to afford him. Though, everything that the Cubs’ front office has said this off-season has indicated that the Cubs will not be spending big on a relief pitcher. Nevertheless, they remain connected to Jansen.

Update 1:05 PM–Teams investigating the availability of Javier Baez

With the Cubs having a need for cost-controlled starting pitchers, the team likely will be forced to part with one of their young, talented position players. Could that play be Javier Baez? Bruce Levine of 670 The Score spoke with an executive about Baez possibly being dealt.

“Moving a player with the upside of Javier Baez will get the Cubs a top-flight young pitcher,” an executive said. “They certainly will hesitate, considering the show Baez put on in the playoffs this season. Baez to me is already one of the most special defensive players in the game. He has a potential to be a dominant offensive player, with just a little bit more experience. The question is will they consider moving him?”

The idea of the Cubs’ trading Baez seems a tad far fetched. Baez, after his productivity in the post-season, is set to become the Cubs’ everyday second baseman in 2017. It would seem more likely that the Cubs trade outfielder Jorge Soler as opposed to Baez.

Update 1:09 PM–Cubs inquiring on Kansas City Royals’ closer Wade Davis

The Cubs have a need for a closer and have inquired on Wade Davis of the Kansas City Royals.

Davis posted an ERA of 1.87 with 27 saves for the Royals during the 2016 season. Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon also managed Davis while the two were a part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ organization. As the Cubs look for a closer, it would appear that the team is interested in filling that need via the trade route instead of through free agency.

Update 1:14 PM–Aroldis Chapman seeking 6-year deal

Speaking with ESPN’s Marly Rivera, Cubs’ free agent closer Aroldis Chapman said that he is seeking a 6-year deal.

“The only thing I have expressed is that I would like a six-year contract. I know that doesn’t mean that I will get it, but that’s what I would like to sign. There are rumors out there that I requested $100 million and that’s not true at all. I believe he who deserves something, does not need to demand it.”

Every indicator is that Chapman will not be returning to the Cubs. With the free agent closer seeking a 6-year contract, the Cubs simply will look for other options. Those options include the aforementioned Davis.

Update 5:16 PM–Cubs considered serious suitors for Wade Davis

There appears to be more smoke to the Wade Davis/Cubs rumor. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the Cubs are considered to be serious suitors for Davis.

The plus side with Davis is that when he is healthy, he is one of the most dominating closers in all of Major League Baseball. The downside is that Davis is entering a contract year and suffered multiple forearm injuries during the 2016 season. The Royals will likely have a steep asking price for Davis and the Cubs will need to weigh the pros and cons of a trade. They pulled the trigger once a trade like this and acquired Chapman, will they do it again for Davis?

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Stay clicked onto this page as we will update it throughout the day with rumors involving the Chicago Cubs from Day 1 of the MLB Winter Meetings.