Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer said on Monday at the winter meetings that he's "surprised" by how quickly the relief market moved this offseason, with top names signing before Thanksgiving. The Cubs have taken an early swing at the reliever market, signing Phil Maton to a two-year deal worth $14.5 million.
Hoyer confirmed that the team will continue to be involved in the high-leverage reliever market and acknowledged that they're looking for another starter. He also mentioned that they could add multiple pitchers who could make starts next season.
However, it's unclear whether the Cubs will outbid on top available pitchers like Dylan Cease, who ultimately signed a seven-year deal with the Blue Jays worth $210 million. The team did get involved in talks with Cease and his representatives but was comfortable within the previous bidding range before the jump eliminated them.
The Cubs have also been linked to veteran free-agent third basemen Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez, but Hoyer shot down rumors that the team is "handcuffed" by the deal they signed Maton to. He emphasized that he's not sure if they'll sign someone or not but said they're definitely going to sign more relievers this offseason.
Hoyer also expressed his support for third baseman Matt Shaw, who had an up-and-down rookie season last year. The team has shown interest in Bregman, whom they pursued last spring as well.
While the winter meetings have generated a lot of buzz around the Cubs' moves, it's clear that not all of the rumors are accurate. As Hoyer said, "we're not going to do bad deals just to do something quick." The team has a real focus on bolstering their bullpen, rotation, and bench.
One thing is certain: the Cubs will be active in free agency this offseason, but it's unclear how much they'll spend or who they'll target. With Hoyer's comments providing some clarity, fans can look forward to an exciting offseason ahead.
Hoyer confirmed that the team will continue to be involved in the high-leverage reliever market and acknowledged that they're looking for another starter. He also mentioned that they could add multiple pitchers who could make starts next season.
However, it's unclear whether the Cubs will outbid on top available pitchers like Dylan Cease, who ultimately signed a seven-year deal with the Blue Jays worth $210 million. The team did get involved in talks with Cease and his representatives but was comfortable within the previous bidding range before the jump eliminated them.
The Cubs have also been linked to veteran free-agent third basemen Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez, but Hoyer shot down rumors that the team is "handcuffed" by the deal they signed Maton to. He emphasized that he's not sure if they'll sign someone or not but said they're definitely going to sign more relievers this offseason.
Hoyer also expressed his support for third baseman Matt Shaw, who had an up-and-down rookie season last year. The team has shown interest in Bregman, whom they pursued last spring as well.
While the winter meetings have generated a lot of buzz around the Cubs' moves, it's clear that not all of the rumors are accurate. As Hoyer said, "we're not going to do bad deals just to do something quick." The team has a real focus on bolstering their bullpen, rotation, and bench.
One thing is certain: the Cubs will be active in free agency this offseason, but it's unclear how much they'll spend or who they'll target. With Hoyer's comments providing some clarity, fans can look forward to an exciting offseason ahead.
just read about Cubs' winter meetings updates and I'm like wow 
! Jed Hoyer is being super chill about their plans 
but it's clear they're all about refreshing the roster 
! Phil Maton signing is a great start 
, now let's see who else will be joining the team 
. I'm loving the emphasis on bullpen and rotation, it's about time 
. Still gotta wonder if they'll go big for Cease or Bregman 
. Either way, I'm hyped for this offseason 
!
personally, i'd love to see them go after bregman or suarez, but only if its a good fit for the team. gotta trust hoyer's assessment of the market 
the phil maton signing is cool but i wanna see them sign someone who's actually gonna make a difference in the rotation like maybe jameson takerum or something 
. like the top guys were gonna get signed ASAP. cubs signing phil maton for $14.5 mil is cute tho 
. at least hoyer seems chill about it all 
. They need to focus on that bullpen and rotation though, they can't keep relying on their young guns to carry them through 
. I'm still wondering if they'll go all in for Bregman or Suarez, those guys are game changers 
️. But hey, with Hoyer at the helm, we can trust he's gonna make some smart moves and not just be throwing money around 