The main news out of Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins’ initial press availability was the injury stuff on Adbert Alzolay and Ian Happ. But, it being only a few days since the lockout ended, there is still a whole lot of transacting to do.
And so that we have it on record … here’s Jed:
Hoyer: “Certainly we’re going to add a lot more players.” pic.twitter.com/WrFrOUsQFm
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) March 14, 2022
Hoyer says there’s “an urgency” to sign free agents to get players into camp, but players also want to hold out for best deals. Their “biggest focus” is pitching and pitching depth. @cbschicago
— Matt Zahn (@mattzahnsports) March 14, 2022
Yes. The Cubs are still trying to add players. “Lots” of players, according to Jed Hoyer. But the market is what the market is, and it looks like – not just to the Cubs – a lot of free agents are still willing to take their time. Fine enough.
All that said, adding lots of “players” is one of those things that can be read quite subjectively, since I know “interesting” pitching additions like Jesse Chavez don’t excite everyone, even if I feel like they can be a good and necessary part of giving yourself a chance this year if you’re the Cubs. I expect more moves like that, even as I hope (borderline expect?) there will also be another significant move or two on a short-term deal (and maybe even a surprise biggy).
On that front, Hoyer wasn’t going to tip his hand:
… We have a lot of confidence in Nico playing shortstop. He’s also an elite defensive second baseman.” 2/2
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 14, 2022
Jed Hoyer says the Cubs are interested in adding more pitching. Asked about SS after adding Simmons: “We’re happy with our middle infield.”
Me: They’ll look to add in OF as well. Suzuki?— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 14, 2022
You can choose to take a lot away from that if you want, but I’ve been following the Jed/Theo style for over a decade now, and I gotta tell you … it just really doesn’t mean much when Hoyer (very intentionally) says that the Cubs are “really happy” with their middle infield “right now.” It doesn’t mean they’re done. It doesn’t mean they’re going wild on Correa. It just really doesn’t mean anything other than they like Simmons’ defense, and felt it was important to have that available (I agree).
So, we’ll see. I expect multiple additional pitching signings (again, probably “interesting” types), and a big bat added. I just think they can’t not, especially given all the options on the market. From there, a surprising trade is always possible.
Asked if he's comfortable taking the current position player group into the season, Hoyer said probably not and indicated the #Cubs are looking to continue to add.
"It's not a knock on the guys here, but we have open spots and we'll continue to add."
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 14, 2022