Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
- The Boston Red Sox finally extended one of their homegrown stars, as they signed Rafael Devers to an 11-year, $331 million contract. There were rumors about the team being far away in negotiations, but they got it done to lock down their 26-year-old third baseman. The Cubs seemed like a perfect fit for Devers, if those talks had not gone anywhere, but that dream is officially dead. It is just another reminder that you can’t just keep thinking there will be great players available in free agency and when you get the chance to sign one, you should. Next offseason’s free agent class, at this point, isn’t filled with many great hitters.
- Time to dream about Shohei Ohtani.
- Speaking of next year’s free agents, Ian Happ is maybe now more inclined to bet on himself and not agree to an extension right now. If he has a repeat 2022 season, or improves, then he’ll likely beat what Andrew Benintendi got from the White Sox, a five-year, $75 million contract.
- Speaking of contract extension, how about the Cubs get one done as soon as possible with Nico Hoerner. That’d be great. Thanks.
- I’ll keep saying that I’m not a fan of the Eric Hosmer signing and I get that he could be completely average, which would be an improvement over the production the Cubs got at first base in 2022, but I just don’t see the upside coming from Hosmer, who struggled for most of last season after a hot start. My biggest worry is that he simply doesn’t hit for power while playing a position where a team normally counts on to provide some pop in the lineup. But hey, I’m willing to be as optimistic about anyone on the Cubs, and maybe Hosmer gets a few more homers by the simple fact that he’ll be playing more games in Wrigley Field and more homer-friendly ballparks within the NL Central.
- Hosmer has only hit 20 home runs in the last two seasons combined.
- I hope the Cubs give Christopher Morel the first crack at getting the majority of the playing time at the hot corner this season rather than Patrick Wisdom after his defensive struggles at third base in 2022.
- The Milwaukee Brewers are coming off a disappointing 2022 season and let’s just say they haven’t exactly had a busy offseason. As a matter of fact, before Wednesday they still had not signed a free agent to a major league deal. They finally did, as they’re reuniting with left-handed starting pitcher Wade Miley. The 36-year-old pitched for the Cubs in 2022, and was good, posting a 3.16 ERA. However, he was injured most of the season and only tossed 37 innings. He can still be pretty solid with the Brewers, but staying healthy will obviously be a huge factor for him. Miley will earn $3.5 million in 2023, with the chance to get an additional $1.5 million if he reaches 150 innings. His deal with the Brewers also includes a $10 million option for 2024, that has a $1 million buyout attached.
- One last thing, the Cubs still have room to add a DH. Not sure how much more interest they have in doing so, but there are a few intriguing names available in free agency, including Trey Mancini, who has been on their radar this offseason.
Maybe? No? Meh.
Check out this week’s Pinwheels And Ivy Podcast.
