Hopefully this won’t strike anyone as surprising, given that the team has very few obvious holes and has already added Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, Jon Lackey, and Adam Warren, among others this offseason.
But Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein says the chances the team makes another significant move this offseason are “slim,” according to the Tribune. Sounding very much like Joe Maddon did earlier in the week, Epstein indicated that the team is probably done with its big moves for the offseason. And, despite persisting rumors about adding controllable pitching or a big bullpen arm, I don’t think Epstein’s just blowing smoke.
That is to say, while I’m sure the Cubs are undoubtedly listening on possible deals – GM Jed Hoyer said yesterday at the Convention that the front office still talks to other teams and agents every day – it’s never likely that a big trade will come together in late January or February, and the Cubs aren’t going to be in on any remaining big name free agents, so it’s a pretty safe bet to say the big moves are probably done.
And that’s not especially disappointing. The team looks fantastically strong as is, and the only opportunities for major additions would necessarily bring along the risk of also making major subtractions – as in, trading away exciting, young, big league talent like Javy Baez or Jorge Soler (guys who aren’t just exciting as future pieces, but who have actual, legitimate value to the Cubs in 2016). I do think the Cubs could still stand to add complementary and/or bargain pieces, but I’m good with this crew being *the* crew.
From here, the Cubs can see what’s what in Spring Training, make some decisions on the final composition of the roster, and still be in an excellent position to make necessarily midseason moves given their still-existent prospect stores.