header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Winter Meetings Monday Mid-Day: Heyward,....

Winter Meetings Monday Mid-Day: Heyward, Gausman, Fernandez, Gordon, More

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Dec 07, 2015
Chicago Cubs

2015 winter meetingsI’m sure it’s like this every year, and I’m sure I tell myself this every year, but … holy crap. I can barely keep up with all this stuff, and we’re barely a couple hours into the Winter Meetings …

  • If you’re looking for Jason Heyward-related encouragement, this ESPN piece from Jesse Rogers and this CSN piece from Patrick Mooney, featuring Theo Epstein quotes, suggest that the Cubs could be looking to get creative, both in trades and in financial maneuverings, specifically so that they can take a serious run at Heyward. That may not sound like much – and, let’s be crystal clear: it’s still a stretch that the Cubs will land him at the end of the day – but at least it’s confirmation that the Cubs are indeed interested in a guy who feels like a perfect fit, and will try to make it happen.
  • Rogers’ piece, by the way, mentions Orioles righty Kevin Gausman as a potential trade target – he’s such an interesting arm that might have been stifled by Baltimore (yes, I know that sounds familiar). He’ll pitch next season at 25, and looks like he has ace-level future potential just waiting to break out. We’ll see if that winds up popping up again in rumors, or if this was a mere one-time mention. The O’s could definitely use bats, though …
  • Circling back to Heyward, although his market is still a little tricky to discern at this point – Cubs, Cardinals, Angels, Giants, at a minimum? – we do know that the Cardinals are interested in retaining their star right fielder. But might they go another direction? Bob Nightengale reports that, in addition to the Royals, who are in active negotiations with Alex Gordon, the Cardinals might be the stiffest competition. With Matt Holliday in the last year of his deal and a liability in left field anyway, Gordon feels like an excellent fit for the Cardinals, who could otherwise cover center and right field with guys like Tommy Pham, Jon Jay, Stephen Piscotty, and Randal Grichuk. Maybe the Cardinals won’t be a serious bidder on Heyward after all.
  • The Tigers are also looking at Gordon, according to Jon Heyman. Are the Cubs? Peter Gammons seems to be the only one pushing that rumor at this point, but you never know.
  • And one more on Heyward, the Angels might instead go after Yoenis Cespedes. I think that sounds good. How about Angels get Cespedes, Cardinals get Gordon (or Chris Davis, or, well, no one), Giants get Justin Upton, and Cubs get Heyward? No other teams are allowed to be involved.
  • Also figuring into that mix of teams, needs, and financial considerations, Ben Zobrist could be down to the Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, and Giants. Your hope, probably, is that he winds up with the Mets or Giants, somewhat limiting their needs to spend aggressively in the outfield.

    • [adinserter block=”1″]

  • There ARE Jose Fernandez trade rumors rolling around out there, and you can follow along with the back-and-forth weaving of rumors and denials here in this MLBTR post. My best sense is that you’re seeing the Marlins, despite their protestations, willing to listen on Fernandez if it means a franchise-altering return (and, as we’ve discussed, it probably should), given the market for pitching. But, since that’s probably not going to happen right now, I doubt this goes anywhere. But damn if Jose Fernandez trade rumors aren’t the best trade rumors.
  • It sounds like Johnny Cueto, the last remaining top tier starter in free agency, is willing to wait out the best deal. His agent says it was easy to reject the Diamondbacks’ six-year, $120 million offer, and I suspect he will, indeed, do better than that.
  • The Rockies are “open-minded” about dealing Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon, according to Ken Rosenthal. CarGo has a great bat at times, but he’s inconsistent, especially on the road, often injured, expensive, and not a great fit for the Cubs. Blackmon, on the other hand, is cost-controlled, plays adequate center field, runs the bases well, is a high-contact guy, and could be a fit for the Cubs, depending on how the rest of the offseason shakes out. As with any Rockies player, you worry a little about translating in a new ballpark, though Blackmon’s skill set seems less reliant on Coors than others.
  • Something to keep an eye on in Cleveland: whispers that Michael Brantley could be out longer than expected. The Indians already needed help in the outfield, and could get even more aggressive there, using pitching as a trade chip.
  • If you missed anything else today, the Dodgers landed Aroldis Chapman and Hisashi Iwakuma, the Cubs and Rays are talking about Javier Baez, and the Cubs are reportedly still in on Ben Zobrist.

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Mets 7, Cubs 6 – May 2, 2024

    I wonder what this team could have been with a real closer. Probably won't find out until the end of July. And that's if we're lucky. Through his first four frames tonight, Ben Brown kept the Mets scoreless and hitless....

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 02, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Christopher Morel with a Towering 3-Run Homer

    Well, we've been saying it all week, and it continues to prove true: Chris Morel is clearly breaking out of slump - slowly, but surely. And today's 3-run homer is just the latest positive sign. Check it out: https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1786099502245372166 That...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 02, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Mets (12:10 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs were able to eke out two improbable wins over the first three games of this series, which means they have a chance for the series win today. Ben Brown will be on the mound for...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 02, 2024
    Matt Waldron Padres
    Chicago Cubs

    MLBits: Comcast Drops Bally Sports, Will Mike Trout Ever Escape Anaheim? Matt Waldron’s Knuckleball, More

    The Diamond Sports Group saga has taken another turn for the worse and once again left fans in the dark. This time, Comcast is shutting the lights off on their Bally Sports RSNs until the two sides can come to...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 02, 2024
    Cubs Farm Report
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Farm Report | May 2, 2024: Caissie Goes Yard, Rojas Extends Hitting Streak, More

    Justin Steele made his first rehab start with Iowa, and Owen Caissie hit a home run for the I-Cubs, who split a double dip with the Omaha Storm Chasers on Wednesday. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 02, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Happ and Swanson Struggling, PCA and Mervis Headed in Different Directions, Rojas, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Well, my friends, we made it. Almost exactly one month after Brett's back surgery put him on the shelf, he's ready to come back full-time. I'm still your man today for bullets and game coverage, but I'll be handing the...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 02, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Chicago Cubs Sign Righty Jake Wong

    The Chicago Cubs are seriously going off on the minor league pitching signings here after the start of the season. Sure, you sometimes see one, but this is entirely different (and I suspect it's because of the new stateside org...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 02, 2024
    Jefferson Rojas of the South Bend Cubs
    Chicago Cubs

    Updated Baseball America Top-100 is Loaded With Cubs, Including One Rocket Ship

    Baseball America today released a more complete top-100 prospect update, which incorporates early-season performances and scouting. The Chicago Cubs fare quite well, even as Michael Busch has graduated from the list. And the re-ranking is quite significant ... https://twitter.com/BaseballAmerica/status/1786011881880105284 20....

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 02, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Mets Are Right to Be Mad, But Also the Call Was Correct

    I get it. If that cleat were on the other foot, I'd probably be pretty mad this morning about how last night's game ended. A walk-off out at the plate, which required a double review, and for which there's an...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 02, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Cubs Just Won the Game on a Crazy-Long, Two-Replay-Reviewed Double-Play at the Plate! (UPDATE)

    How do I even write that up. Wow. Oh my god. I am giddy. That was absolutely incredible. Let me just explain what happened (more than usual), because even I am in utter disbelief. Hector Neris came in to close...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 01, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    Picks

    Cubs vs. Brewers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, May 3, 2024

    Following a big two-homer game in a win over the Rays, Willy Adames leads the Milwaukee Brewers (19-11) into action as +109 underdogs against the Chicago Cubs (19-13). First pitch from Wrigley Field at 2:20 PM ET on Friday, live...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    Picks

    Best MLB Prop Bets Today, May 3, 2024

    The MLB's 15-game lineup today is not one to miss. The contests include the Atlanta Braves playing the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.One of the best ways to wager on baseball is via MLB player prop bets. There are...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    Picks

    Cubs vs. Brewers Probable Starting Pitchers – May 3

    The Milwaukee Brewers (19-11) begin a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs (19-13) on Friday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is at 2:20 PM.The Cubs will give the ball to Hayden Wesneski (2-0, 0.87 ERA), who is eyeing win No....

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    Picks

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 – Saturday, May 4, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves are 4.5-point underdogs in Game 1 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Saturday, tipping off at 12:00 AM ET. The matchup has an over/under set at 207.5...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    NBA Picks

    Mavericks vs. Clippers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 6 – Friday, May 3, 2024

    The Los Angeles Clippers are 8-point underdogs in a decisive Game 6 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Friday, starting at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN. The Mavericks are...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    NBA Picks

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 – Saturday, May 4, 2024

    The Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves square off to start the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets are favored by 4.5 points in the matchup, which tips at 12:00 AM ET. The matchup has an over/under of...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    Picks

    NHL Playoffs Anytime Goalscorer Bets and Odds Today – May 3

    Anytime goal-scorer odds are available below, with two Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round games on the NHL slate Friday.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Today's Top Anytime Goal OddsFilip Forsberg (Predators) -105 to scorePredators vs. CanucksGame Time: 7:00 PM ET on Friday,...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    How to Watch

    Guardians vs. Angels: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cleveland Guardians (20-11), who will give the start to Tanner Bibee, host the Los Angeles Angels (11-20) with Jose Soriano on the mound, Friday at 7:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Cleveland-Los Angeles matchup...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 03, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

    Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (14-18) host Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (16-18) at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.See how to watch the Arizona-San Diego matchup below.When is Diamondbacks vs. Padres and when does it start?This game...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 02, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Dodgers vs. Braves: Live Stream or on TV

    Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (20-13) host Marcell Ozuna and the Atlanta Braves (20-9) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.See how to watch the Los Angeles-Atlanta matchup below.When is Dodgers vs. Braves and when does...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 02, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Enhanced Box Score: Mets 7, Cubs 6 – May 2, 2024

    Christopher Morel with a Towering 3-Run Homer

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Mets (12:10 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Matt Waldron Padres

    MLBits: Comcast Drops Bally Sports, Will Mike Trout Ever Escape Anaheim? Matt Waldron’s Knuckleball, More

    Cubs Farm Report

    Cubs Farm Report | May 2, 2024: Caissie Goes Yard, Rojas Extends Hitting Streak, More

    Chicago Cubs Sign Righty Jake Wong

    Jefferson Rojas of the South Bend Cubs

    Updated Baseball America Top-100 is Loaded With Cubs, Including One Rocket Ship

    Happ and Swanson Struggling, PCA and Mervis Headed in Different Directions, Rojas, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Mets Are Right to Be Mad, But Also the Call Was Correct

    The Cubs Just Won the Game on a Crazy-Long, Two-Replay-Reviewed Double-Play at the Plate! (UPDATE)

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    The Mets Are Right to Be Mad, But Also the Call Was Correct

    The Cubs Just Won the Game on a Crazy-Long, Two-Replay-Reviewed Double-Play at the Plate! (UPDATE)

    Chicago Cubs Sign Righty Jake Wong

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Mets 0 – May 1, 2024

    Updated Baseball America Top-100 is Loaded With Cubs, Including One Rocket Ship

    Happ and Swanson Struggling, PCA and Mervis Headed in Different Directions, Rojas, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Ryan Poles Tells Pat McAfee What Went Into Drafting Caleb Williams No. 1

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Mets (6:10 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Latest News

    Cubs vs. Brewers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, May 3, 2024

    Best MLB Prop Bets Today, May 3, 2024

    Cubs vs. Brewers Probable Starting Pitchers – May 3

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 – Saturday, May 4, 2024

    Mavericks vs. Clippers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 6 – Friday, May 3, 2024

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 – Saturday, May 4, 2024

    NHL Playoffs Anytime Goalscorer Bets and Odds Today – May 3

    Guardians vs. Angels: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

    How to Watch Dodgers vs. Braves: Live Stream or on TV

    Athletics vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres Series May 3-5: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Series May 3-5: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Oakland Athletics vs. Miami Marlins Series May 3-5: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago White Sox Series May 3-5: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    The Mets Are Right to Be Mad, But Also the Call Was Correct

    The Cubs Just Won the Game on a Crazy-Long, Two-Replay-Reviewed Double-Play at the Plate! (UPDATE)

    Chicago Cubs Sign Righty Jake Wong

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Mets 0 – May 1, 2024

    Updated Baseball America Top-100 is Loaded With Cubs, Including One Rocket Ship

    Happ and Swanson Struggling, PCA and Mervis Headed in Different Directions, Rojas, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Ryan Poles Tells Pat McAfee What Went Into Drafting Caleb Williams No. 1

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Mets (6:10 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.