In 2014, center field was arguably the Cubs worst offensive position. After seven total players failed to establish themselves, the front office traded for Dexter Fowler and received an immediate uptick in numbers. Center field managed an overall .252/.345/.411 line with 18 home runs, 53 RBI and 22 stolen bases. Let’s take a look back at the position and where the team may go as they look to remake the position again in this offseason. Dexter Fowler was an immediate revelation and the table … [Read more...]
Jackie Bradley Jr. Could No Longer Be an Option for the Cubs
Theo Epstein drafted him and last week it was reported Jackie Bradley Jr. was one of several possibilities the Cubs were checking on for a centerfielder. Bradley Jr. is known as an exceptional defensive outfielder. And many teams think he will eventually hit enough in the majors to keep him in the lineup on a daily basis. According to Nick Cafardo, the Cubs are one of four teams that expressed interest in trading for Bradley Jr. along with the Mariners, Royals and Mets. The Nationals could … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly View Gerardo Parra as Possibility for Center Field
According to a report from Comcast SportsNet, outfielder Gerardo Parra is on the Cubs radar. The Cubs were believed to be interested in Parra prior to the deadline last summer. And he could be an option to fill the team’s need for a centerfielder. The Cubs are exploring free agents and trade possibilities to find a solution for center field. Dexter Fowler rejected the team’s qualifying offer and is not expected to return. Fowler will receive a longer term deal for more money from another team … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly of Interest to Ben Zobrist and Outfield Rumors
Included in an excellent report from Patrick Mooney is that there “is mutual interest between the Cubs and Ben Zobrist.” Mooney explained at this point “it’s more about monitoring the situation” but one of Joe Maddon’s guys would be interested in signing with the Cubs. The Cubs would “probably need to trade one of their young hitters” in order for Zobrist to “become an ideal fit again” according to the report. The Cubs are one of many teams interested in signing Ben Zobrist, and that long … [Read more...]
Report: Cubs Possibly Interested in OF Jackie Bradley Jr.
According to a report from Rob Bradford, the Cubs and Royals “have surfaced as teams who were possibly ready to take a run at Bradley Jr. to fill their vacant outfield spots.” It should not come as a surprise the Cubs are reportedly interested in Jackie Bradley Jr. Theo Epstein drafted him in 2011 and the front office is exploring ways to fill a void in center field. Rob Bradford talked to one GM that told him the Red Sox would be selling high on Bradley Jr. but as he pointed out, Bradley … [Read more...]