Cubs reportedly not out of the running for free agent outfielder Bryce Harper Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are trying to improve a Cubs’ roster that fell well short of expectations a year ago with very little flexibility in the payroll. The Cubs were believed to be one of the teams interested in signing Harper once he hit free agency. But with a tight budget, the Cubs were ruled out of the Harper sweepstakes several weeks ago. Gordon Wittenmyer reported in the Sun-Times Saturday that Epstein … [Read more...]
Cubs Search for Joe Maddon’s Next Bench Coach Has Officially Begun
With David Ross and Mark DeRosa reportedly out of the mix, what direction will the Cubs go for Joe Maddon’s next bench coach? Brandon Hyde was officially hired as the Orioles’ manager on Friday. Hyde’s departure means the Cubs will have their third bench coach in three seasons. Dave Martinez and Brandon Hyde leaving makes sense, but the turnover on the coaching staff is rather concerning. And it means another spring and early season adjustments for the players and Joe Maddon. According to … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly One of Six Teams to Contact Troy Tulowitzki
Cubs one of six teams that “has at least been in contact” with free-agent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Cubs have been in contact with free-agent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. The Cubs are one of at least six teams that have contacted Tulo since he was released by the Blue Jays earlier in the week. Heyman explained the Cubs “aren’t necessarily the favorite” to sign Tulowitzki, but they will have a scout watch him workout. Susan Slusser was told by Tulo’s … [Read more...]
Will David Ross Be the Cubs New Bench Coach?
Brandon Hyde reportedly will take the skipper’s job in Baltimore … Reports suggest David Ross could be Joe Maddon’s bench coach next season Reports surfaced Tuesday night that the Orioles decided to make Cubs’ bench coach Brandon Hyde the team’s next manager. Those reports were denied by the general manager in typical Orioles fashion. Right after the reports hit the wire that Hyde was on his way to Baltimore, the David Ross could be the Cubs next bench coach rumors made the rounds. Ross is … [Read more...]
Report: Cubs Interested in RHP Adam Ottavino
Add free agent right-handed Adam Ottavino to list of late-inning relievers the Cubs are reportedly interested in signing The Winter Meetings is in full swing in Las Vegas. And the Cubs have been linked to another free agent reliever. According to a report by Bruce Levine on 670 the Score, RHP Adam Ottavino is on the list of relief pitchers the front office could sign to help Joe Maddon’s bullpen. Ottavino just turned 33 (Nov. 22) and is coming off a career-year with the Rockies. Ottavino … [Read more...]
Cubs Connected to Reliever A.J. Ramos
Cubs reportedly interested in free agent right-handed reliever A.J. Ramos According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Cubs are interested in RHP A.J. Ramos. Ramos joins the small list of free agent relief pitchers the Cubs have been connected to in recent days. Ramos is coming off an injury shortened season with the Mets. Ramos turned 32 in September (Sept. 20) and was very effective for the Marlins over the first six-plus years of his career. But with the Mets, Ramos struggled and dealt with a … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly Interested in Signing Free Agent Reliever Joakim Soria
Multiple reports have linked the Cubs to free agent right-hander Joakim Soria According to multiple reports, the Cubs have shown interest in free agent RHP Joakim Soria. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are believed to be looking at ways to improve a rather weak bullpen. And Soria is reportedly one of the free agents the club has shown interest in signing this off-season. Soria began last season on the South Side with the Sox. After posting a 0-3 record with 16 saves in 40 appearances with a … [Read more...]
How Will the Cubs Front Office Add to the Bullpen?
With the baseball world taking over Las Vegas for the annual Winter Meetings, according to several reports, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will spend a lot of time trying to strengthen a bullpen that, on paper, is extremely weak in early December. Epstein recently announced Brandon Morrow had surgery on his elbow last month and is not expected to start throwing until February. If everything goes as planned, which is usually not the case with pitchers coming back from elbow and/or surgery … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly Showing Interest in J.A. Happ
Cubs reportedly one of the many teams showing interest in LHP J.A. Happ With the uncertainty surrounding the injured Yu Darvish and the season-long struggles of Kyle Hendricks, Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana, the Cubs are believed to be looking for ways to improve the rotation. Theo Epstein recently said the answers to the problems in the rotation would likely have to come from within, meaning Hendricks, Chatwood and Quintana must start performing to expectations. But even with Epstein’s … [Read more...]
Names Surface in Rumored Cubs-Orioles Talks Over Manny Machado
Cubs reportedly talking to Orioles about shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado With the Orioles on the South Side playing the White Sox this week, the Manny Machado to the Cubs rumors have dominated the headlines. While Joe Maddon’s team searches for consistency, every mainstream news outlet has done its best to link Machado to the Cubs. Machado is one of the best offensive players in the game. Right now, the Cubs are struggling in just about every facet of the game. And if the rotation … [Read more...]