The Chicago Cubs just reportedly inked starter John Lackey to a two-year, $32 million deal, but that probably won't be the end of their endeavors in free agency. Rumors suggest they could add more depth to their starting rotation.
Is Jeff Samardzija still an option for Chicago? The right-hander met with Theo Epstein in November, and after spending just $32 million on Lackey the team likely still has financial flexibility to make such a move. Samardzija, 30, reportedly has multiple offers on the table of at least $90 million.
Although ESPN's Jayson Stark said Samardzija's price could be exceeding the Cubs' comfort level, it doesn't appear as if they've backed off yet.
"While [Samardzija's] 2015 year was uncharacteristically bad, scouts and decision-makers generally view him very favorably due to his pristine health, big arm, few innings (he was a reliever first) and competitiveness," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. "The Cardinals, Giants and Cubs are said to be among a long list of teams that have checked in. There was a suggestion there's already a $100 million offer for him, and while that may surprise some (for instance, one interested GM suggested it shouldn't be a long deal due to his '15 performance), he'll do better than his recent numbers would suggest."
Theo also said dialogue with Jeff Samardizja is on-going
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) December 4, 2015
Theo says #Cubs need to continue adding pitching depth and that homegrown pitching talent is still in developmental stages.
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) December 4, 2015
Theo on ongoing talks with Smarj (after mention of pic in bar of him and Smarj): "The dialogue tastes great and is less filling."
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) December 4, 2015
Samardzija reportedly rejected an $85 million offer from Chicago back in 2014 before he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. He could make more money this time around, but would he take a little less to play in Chicago, with which he is very familiar? Additionally, the Cubs give him a great opportunity to win and he'll be in a rotation that consists of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and now Lackey. He can get paid and put himself in a favorable situation if so.
As the Cubs continue to search for starting pitching, they're also gauging this year's class of free agent outfielders. We wrote earlier today that the team has interest in Dexter Fowler as well as Jason Heyward, but Fowler is projected to sign a $60 million deal and Heyward a $200 million deal.
The team definitely needs a center fielder and left field is also a question due to Kyle Schwarber's struggles out there. But could Chicago solve their center field issue in-house?
Theo says Javy Baez to see some time in center field during winter ball. #Cubs
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) December 4, 2015
During pre- Winter Meetings talk w reporters Theo Epstein said Javier Baez will play CF in Puerto Rico this winter
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) December 4, 2015
Theo: "Makes sense to do it when we have a bit of a hole in CF."
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) December 4, 2015
We talked about this possibility a few weeks ago, as it was believed at that point that the Cubs would go hard after David Price and perhaps add another cheaper starter, which would then limit their options for an outfielder in free agency. However, at this point it appears as if the Cubs are going to be patient with any free agent signings and be careful not to hand out contracts that may financially handicap them in the future. If that's the case, and Baez can't net them a young starting pitcher of their liking, I can see this being a realistic possibility since the middle infield duo of Addison Russell and Starlin Castro worked well this year. Baez's athleticism can perhaps allow him to play center field and that could solve a lot of issues for the team.
But maybe the Cubs go out and sign an outfielder like Alex Gordon, since he'll be cheaper as well as a lesser long-term commitment than Heyward, Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton. Gordon provides a good veteran presence on a young roster and his defense would be eons better than any other outfielder they have now (he's arguably the best defensive left fielder in the MLB). Heyward, as we noted earlier today, could be an option because he'll be sure to get an opt-out clause that he'll probably exercise after three or four years in any potential contract, making it much less of a financial commitment. However, the Cubs may not want to bank on that.
With the Winter Meetings coming up on Monday, Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer could be poised to make moves and improve the team's roster. It seems as if they're playing a game of chess right now with Lackey being their first free agent signing, and that may have only been the first domino to fall.
