It’s been a little over a month since the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years. But now it’s back to business.
The annual MLB Winter Meetings have officially begun as the baseball world has descended on Washington D.C. and the stove is officially hot. This is usually the time where the big free agent signings go down and the trades start to go through.
The Cubs are likely moving on from Aroldis Chapman and are now in the market for a new closer. There’s already some talk of the Cubs interest in a few closers, including Kenley Jansen.
Jansen is arguably the best closer on the market right now and has drawn interest from several teams, including the Cubs.
ESPN’s Jim Bowden lists the Cubs in the race for Jansen:
Here are the teams in on Kenley Jansen: Nationals Marlins Yankees Giants Cubs Dodgers https://t.co/ZaI6CLixjl
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) December 5, 2016
The 29-year-old recorded 47 saves and posted a 1.83 ERA in the 2016 season. He was named the NL Reliever of the Year.
Jansen would be the ideal replacement for Chapman as the Cubs need someone to come in and close the door in the late innings. He’s going to get a big contract, which is something Cubs management has said they will try to avoid this offseason.
Then there is Wade Davis.
The Cubs are also reportedly trying to work a deal to land the Kansas City Royals closer and the hot name in the package is outfielder Jorge Soler.
Can confirm #Cubs are among the teams to inquire on #Royals closer Wade Davis. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 5, 2016
The 31-year-old Davis posted a 1.87 ERA in 2016 for a disappointing Royals team. He’s still a very good closer and if the Cubs don’t want to hand out a big contract to Jansen, this might be their best bet.
For Soler, he had an injury-plagued season in 2016 and was hardly used in the playoffs as he struggled. The Cubs will likely move on from Dexter Fowler while getting Kyle Schwarber back. He could be the odd man out with Albert Almora likely being in the rotation for most of the season.
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