The Chicago Cubs are just starting out the Winter Meetings in Florida this week, and they’re already getting active as they try to improve their roster for next season.
The team has reportedly already agreed to a contract with free agent reliever Brandon Morrow on a two-year deal, but that is just the beginning for Theo Epstein and company as they try to avenge last season’s NLCS loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Here is a rundown of all the latest rumors that are swirling around the Cubs:
-According to ESPN’s Scott Lauber, the Boston Red Sox are interested in acquiring Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber in a trade.
Schwarber, who hit 30 home runs and drove in 59 RBI last season for the Cubs, has been working hard this offseason to lose weight and to become a more complete hitter, and while it seems highly unlikely that Epstein and Jed Hoyer would want to deal a player that they’ve zealously protected from trade rumors his entire career, they likely wouldn’t rule a deal out right away.
The deal would make a lot of sense for the Red Sox, as they look to add a slugger after the New York Yankees traded for Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins.
The problem for the Red Sox is that they lack the type of young starting pitching that the Cubs would likely want for Schwarber, and players like Andrew Benintendi are probably not going to be available if the Cubs ask for them in such a swap.
Chicago Baseball
-Multiple reports have indicated that the Cubs are vigorously pursuing free agent pitcher Alex Cobb, who has extensive experience with new Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey.
Cobb had a 12-10 record with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts with the Rays last season, and would likely fit into a third or fourth starter role with the Cubs if they end up signing him. The team has already made a move in their rotation this offseason, signing pitcher Tyler Chatwood, and they’re likely going to continue shoring their staff up heading into next season.
