With former New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto now with the New York Mets, the Yankees face the challenge of filling a significant void in their lineup as they prepare for the 2025 season. One name that has emerged as a potential target is Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, there are substantial obstacles to overcome for the Yankees and Cubs to finalize a deal.

Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026, with an opt-out clause after the 2025 season. The Yankees are reportedly seeking financial assistance from the Cubs to cover part of Bellinger's salary, a condition that Chicago is currently unwilling to meet. This report follows closely on the heels of Heyman's colleague Joel Sherman's revelation that the Cubs are looking to move either Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki, with Sherman highlighting Bellinger as a perfect fit for the Yankees. Cubs president Jed Hoyer recently expressed his expectation that Suzuki will remain with the team, thereby increasing the likelihood of a Bellinger trade.

In the 2024 season, Bellinger hit .266/.325/.426, with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs, and recorded a 2.2 WAR. This marked his second season with the Cubs after starting his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a Dodger, Bellinger achieved considerable success, including two All-Star appearances (2017, 2019), the 2019 NL MVP award, the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year award, and the 2018 NLCS MVP. He also played a key role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory.

For the Yankees, acquiring Bellinger would address their need for a power-hitting lefty with positional versatility, capable of playing both outfield and first base—positions of need for the team.

The Chicago Cubs are currently dealing with a roster crunch, particularly in their outfield, which includes a number of promising prospects at the Triple-A level. After finishing with 83 wins in each of the past two seasons, the Cubs are aiming to improve their roster for a better performance. To achieve this, the team is considering trading from their surplus of outfielders to strengthen other areas.


One of the most discussed names in trade rumors is Cody Bellinger. His potential departure has been a hot topic as the Cubs explore options to balance their roster and enhance overall team performance.


Another name circulating in the rumor mill is Seiya Suzuki. According to his agent, Suzuki would consider waiving his no-trade clause if the right opportunity arises. Joel Wolfe, Suzuki's agent, stated via the Chicago Tribune, "I don't think he wants to trade Seiya but there may be a scenario where he feels he has a deal he can't say no to."


Suzuki, 30, had a strong season in 2024, hitting .283/.366/.482 (138 OPS+) with 27 doubles, six triples, 21 homers, 73 RBIs, 74 runs, 16 steals, and 3.5 WAR in 132 games. He has two years and $38 million remaining on his contract. His performance and versatility make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their lineup.


As the Cubs navigate their roster crunch, the potential trades of Bellinger and Suzuki could bring significant returns in the form of younger, more affordable talent. This strategy aims to enhance the team's depth and flexibility, setting the stage for a competitive 2025 season.

The Chicago Cubs, looking to bolster their bullpen this offseason, have shown interest in two prominent names: left-hander A.J. Minter and right-hander Kyle Finnegan. This follows their recent acquisition of right-hander Eli Morgan from the Guardians.


According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Cubs are among the teams eyeing A.J. Minter, while ESPN's Jesse Rogers notes that the club has also had discussions with Kyle Finnegan.


Minter, 31, is one of the more intriguing free agent relievers available this winter. Since breaking out with the Braves during the 2020 season, he has established himself as one of the best lefty relief arms in baseball. Over the past five years, Minter has posted a 2.85 ERA and a nearly identical 2.84 FIP in 243 innings, striking out 30.1% of his opponents while walking just 7.8%. His 3.05 SIERA ranks third among lefty relievers with at least 200 innings since the start of 2020, trailing only Josh Hader and Taylor Rogers.


Despite these impressive stats, Minter's free agency is clouded by a challenging 2024 season. While he maintained a solid 2.62 ERA, his strikeout rate dipped to 26.1%, and his FIP rose to 4.45, primarily due to an increase in home runs allowed. More concerning, Minter underwent season-ending hip surgery in August. Recent reports indicate it's uncertain whether he will be ready to pitch at the start of the 2025 season, which could impact his free agency value if teams anticipate a significant early-season absence.

As the Winter Meetings progress, the Chicago Cubs have continued their search for catching reinforcements and appear to have found a solution. According to multiple sources, the Cubs are nearing an agreement with free-agent catcher Carson Kelly. Although the details of the contract have not been disclosed, and the deal has not been officially confirmed by the Cubs, it appears likely to happen soon.


Kelly would join Miguel Amaya as the Cubs' primary catching options, providing manager Craig Counsell with the flexibility to distribute playing time more evenly rather than following a traditional starter-backup setup. This balanced approach to the catching position was a key objective for the Cubs this offseason. With other free-agent catching targets such as Travis d’Arnaud (Angels), Kyle Higashioka (Rangers), and Danny Jansen (Rays) already off the market, Kelly emerged as the logical choice for the Cubs. 


In November, the Cubs also acquired Matt Thaiss from the Angels to further bolster their catching depth. Thaiss, who is out of Minor League options, adds another layer of complexity for the Cubs to manage before the next season begins.


The Cubs also have a promising young catching prospect in Moises Ballesteros, who is currently ranked No. 4 among Cubs prospects and No. 44 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list. At just 21 years old, Ballesteros is primarily a bat-first player and is expected to profile more as a designated hitter and part-time catcher. While he could push for an MLB debut in 2025, he is not part of the Cubs' immediate plans for the upcoming season.

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With the potential addition of Kelly and the strategic use of Amaya and Thaiss, the Cubs are aiming to strengthen their catching corps and improve overall team flexibility as they prepare for the 2025 season.

As the MLB offseason heats up, the Chicago Cubs are looking to make some impactful moves to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Here are three free agents that are most likely to join the Cubs:

1. Jack Flaherty
​The Cubs have shown interest in Jack Flaherty, a talented right-handed pitcher. Flaherty posted a 3.17 ERA over 28 regular-season starts last year and has a strong strikeout rate1. His upside and potential to be a mid-to-front-of-the-rotation starter make him an attractive option for the Cubs.

2. Sean Manaea
Another pitcher on the Cubs' radar is Sean Manaea. Manaea, a left-handed starter, rejected the Mets' qualifying offer, making him available on the market1. His consistent performance and experience could provide stability to the Cubs' rotation.

3. Tanner Scott
To strengthen their bullpen, the Cubs are considering Tanner Scott, a left-handed reliever. Scott has shown the ability to be a reliable late-inning option, and his addition could help solidify the Cubs' relief corps.

These signings could significantly impact the Cubs' performance in the upcoming season.

This offseason has seen considerable trade speculation around the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jordan Montgomery and the Chicago Cubs’ Cody Bellinger. Both players carry significant salaries and appear to be somewhat imperfect fits on their current rosters. These factors have seemingly led to a rather muted trade market for either player. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Arizona attempted to engage the Cubs in a swap involving Montgomery and Bellinger. Whether this proposal was a straightforward one-for-one deal or involved additional players remains unclear, as the Cubs reportedly did not show much interest.


Cody Bellinger opted not to exercise his opt-out clause after a middling 2024 season, keeping him with the Cubs through the 2026 season with $52.5 million in remaining salary. This includes $27.5 million for 2025, followed by an option for Bellinger to opt-out in 2026 with a $2.5 million buyout or remain for $25 million.


Similarly, Jordan Montgomery chose to stay in the final year of his two-year contract with the Diamondbacks, securing $22.5 million for the 2025 season. Despite a challenging 2024 season marked by a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings, Montgomery stayed, likely influenced by missing Spring Training and an extended free agency period.

In an October radio interview, D’Backs owner Ken Kendrick was openly critical of Montgomery’s signing, perhaps in an attempt to encourage Montgomery to opt out and seek opportunities elsewhere. However, this strategy did not succeed, and the Diamondbacks are reportedly "shopping [Montgomery] everywhere" to offload his salary, according to Nightengale.


As the offseason continues, it remains to be seen whether either player will find a new home or if their respective teams will find a way to maximize their value.

The Chicago Cubs have officially added veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd to their rotation with a two-year, $29 million deal, solidifying him as the newest member of the Wrigleyville pitching staff. Despite this significant signing, the Cubs are reportedly still in the market for additional starting pitchers, with Walker Buehler remaining "on their radar," according to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.

Boyd is expected to fill the fourth spot in the Cubs' rotation, joining Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon. Javier Assad is currently the leading candidate for the fifth starter position. The Cubs also have Jordan Wicks, Hayden Wesneski, Ben Brown, and top prospect Cade Horton in the mix for starting roles, although Wicks, Brown, and Horton all faced injuries in 2024, which could impact their availability.

Adding another experienced starter through trade or free agency would allow the Cubs to use Assad as a primary depth option. Given Assad's impressive 3.40 ERA over his 294 career Major League innings, he seems well-suited for such a role. Nonetheless, with the inevitability of injuries, Assad is likely to see some rotation time. Additionally, one of the other pitchers could potentially be used as a trade asset if the Cubs feel confident in their pitching depth.

​The Cubs' approach highlights the importance of having ample pitching options to navigate the challenges of an MLB season. With Boyd now in the fold and the potential for further additions, the Cubs aim to build a robust and resilient rotation for the upcoming season.

The Chicago Cubs announced that shortstop Dansby Swanson underwent surgery in early October to address a core injury. While it may come as a surprise that this news is being revealed two months later, the procedure was reportedly minor, and Swanson is expected to be fully ready for Spring Training in mid-February.


Aside from a brief stint on the 10-day injured list due to a knee sprain in May, Swanson had a seemingly healthy season, playing in 149 of the Cubs' 162 games. He posted a .242/.312/.390 batting line with 16 home runs over 593 plate appearances, resulting in a 99 wRC+ and a .148 Isolated Power (ISO), a slight decline from his previous .176 ISO over the past six seasons.


The core injury might explain some of Swanson's performance dips, although he seemed to improve as the 2024 season progressed. Swanson recorded a .632 OPS in 337 plate appearances during the first half of the season, which increased to a .795 OPS in 256 plate appearances after the All-Star break. His overall performance mirrored the inconsistency that several Cubs players experienced at the plate, contributing to the team's 83-79 record.


Swanson's surgery and subsequent recovery are key factors for the Cubs as they prepare for the upcoming season. His ability to rebound and maintain a consistent performance will be crucial for the team's success in 2025.

The Chicago Cubs are set to add Jose Javier to their coaching staff as the new first base coach, according to a report by Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. Javier, who will be replacing Mike Napoli, joins the Cubs following Napoli's departure at the end of the 2024 season.

Javier, 32, has a longstanding history with the New York Yankees’ organization. His career began as a minor league player from 2010 to 2015, although he never advanced beyond Single-A. After concluding his playing career, Javier transitioned to coaching, where he continued to develop his expertise within the Yankees' minor league system.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell has been actively restructuring his coaching staff in preparation for the upcoming season. Early in October, the Cubs parted ways with several coaches, including Mike Napoli, assistant hitting coach Jim Adduci, and bullpen coach Darren Holmes. Shortly after, third base coach Willie Harris also departed from the team. These changes come as part of Counsell’s efforts to align the coaching staff with his vision for the team.

To fill these gaps, the Cubs have made several strategic moves. Casey Jacobson, previously a pitching coordinator in the minor leagues, has been promoted to assistant pitching coach, replacing Daniel Moskos, who left to become the Miami Marlins' pitching coach. Quintin Berry, reportedly joining the Cubs from the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to take over as third base coach. Javier will now take his place across the diamond, adding his experience and skills to the coaching staff.

​The Cubs have yet to announce their complete coaching staff, and the remaining vacancies have not been publicly filled. However, these recent additions and promotions reflect a significant overhaul aimed at enhancing the team’s performance and cohesion.

The Chicago Cubs are making significant changes to their major league coaching staff in preparation for Craig Counsell’s second year as manager. The latest addition to the team is Jose Javier, who will take on the role of first-base coach, according to sources from The Athletic.


Javier, 32, spent the previous season as a defensive coach for the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate. His expertise in outfield defense and base running has been instrumental within New York's farm system. Before transitioning into coaching, Javier played six seasons as a minor-league player for the Yankees, starting his career in the Dominican Republic.


The Cubs began their coaching overhaul soon after the season ended in September. They dismissed three coaches: Mike Napoli (first base), Darren Holmes (bullpen), and Jim Adduci (hitting assistant), and started restructuring their high-performance team, which oversees strength and conditioning.


In this transition, Craig Counsell has already brought on Quintin Berry from the Milwaukee Brewers to serve as the new third-base coach. Berry, known for his base-running expertise, previously worked with Counsell in Milwaukee. He replaces Willie Harris, who did not renew his contract with the Cubs in October.


Additionally, the Cubs promoted Casey Jacobson, a respected pitching coordinator from their minor-league system. Jacobson will now serve as an assistant pitching coach, taking over some duties from Daniel Moskos, who left to become the Miami Marlins’ lead pitching coach.


The Cubs also hired Matt Talarico from the Yankees, enhancing their player development department. Talarico, previously New York’s director of speed development and a base-running coordinator, has been appointed as the Cubs’ offensive coordinator for base running. His new role will leverage his extensive experience and regional roots in the Midwest.


These strategic hires and promotions are part of the Cubs' broader effort to enhance their coaching staff and overall team performance. The new additions bring a wealth of experience and specialized skills that will be crucial for the Cubs as they aim to improve their competitiveness in the upcoming season.

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly "determined" to trade one of their key players, either first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger or outfielder Seiya Suzuki, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post. The goal behind this move is to redirect the cost savings towards upgrading other parts of the roster. Additionally, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports that the Cubs have shown interest in catchers Carson Kelly and Danny Jansen, as well as relievers Andrew Chafin and Kirby Yates.

The Cubs' crowded outfield is a major factor in their decision-making. Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a valuable glove-first center fielder this season, with the potential to bring even more value if his offensive skills improve. The corner outfield spots are currently occupied by Bellinger, Suzuki, and Ian Happ. While Bellinger can also play first base, Michael Busch has solidified his role there, further complicating the lineup.

Beneath these established players, the Cubs have several promising options waiting for their shot at the big leagues. Alexander Canario, despite having only 45 major league plate appearances, has consistently performed well in Triple-A and is now out of options. Kevin Alcántara and Owen Caissie, both on the 40-man roster and regarded as top 100 prospects, are also eager for more playing time. Alcántara made a brief MLB debut in 2024, while Caissie spent the entire season excelling in Triple-A.

Even with the designated hitter spot open, the Cubs find themselves with more talent than they can accommodate. This surplus of capable players makes it logical for the team to consider trading one of their outfielders to optimize their roster and address other needs.

By potentially trading Bellinger or Suzuki, the Cubs could free up significant financial resources. This money could then be used to strengthen weaker areas of the team, such as catching and relief pitching. The addition of Carson Kelly or Danny Jansen would provide valuable depth behind the plate, while relievers Andrew Chafin and Kirby Yates could bolster the bullpen.


The Cubs' front office is undoubtedly weighing their options carefully, as the right moves could significantly improve their chances of contending in the coming seasons. With a mix of established players and rising stars, the team is in a strong position to make strategic trades that benefit both their present and future prospects.

​As the trade discussions continue, Cubs fans will be eagerly watching to see how these potential moves unfold. The decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the team's trajectory and define the next chapter in the storied franchise's history.

As the MLB offseason heats up, Juan Soto's impending free agency decision has created a bottleneck, influencing the strategies of several teams, including the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs. Soto's choice will undoubtedly shape various potential trade scenarios across the league.

One player caught in this ripple effect is Cody Bellinger, who has emerged as a potential trade target. Reports suggest that teams missing out on Soto, such as the Yankees, could shift their focus to Bellinger. The Yankees have long shown interest in the left-handed slugger, and with Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch, Bellinger seems a natural fit.

Despite a decline in his power numbers since his MVP peak, Bellinger could find the perfect setting for a resurgence in the Bronx. The Yankees, known for their willingness to spend big, are frontrunners in the Soto sweepstakes. However, if another team secures Soto, the Yankees may need to quickly pivot to their Plan B.

For Bellinger, this pivot could mean an opportunity to don the pinstripes. Bryan Hoch ofMLB.comnoted that there was buzz last winter about bringing Bellinger's left-handed swing to Yankee Stadium, a buzz that dissipated after the Soto trade. Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million this coming year, with a $25 million option (and a $5 million buyout) for 2026. Analytics suggest his power would improve in the Bronx, and his center-field defense is rated higher than Aaron Judge's. Additionally, Bellinger could provide valuable support at first base.

​As the offseason progresses, the decisions of superstars like Soto will continue to ripple through the league, potentially reshaping the rosters and strategies of teams vying for championship contention. The Yankees' pursuit of Soto and subsequent moves will be closely watched, with fans eager to see how the team navigates this critical period.

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are now in the mix to trade for White Sox ace Garrett Crochet this winter, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. Previously, the Orioles, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Phillies were the primary contenders for the young star, but the Cubs and Reds have recently emerged as new potential destinations.

The Cubs have been actively bolstering their rotation, recently signing free-agent left-hander Matthew Boyd. Adding Crochet would further strengthen their starting rotation, positioning him alongside Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga as a formidable trio.

Meanwhile, the Reds have also been enhancing their pitching staff, notably acquiring Brady Singer via trade. With promising young starters like Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo already in their ranks, the addition of Crochet would significantly deepen Cincinnati's rotation.

​As the offseason progresses, both the Cubs and Reds are keenly pursuing Crochet, highlighting their commitment to improving their pitching depth ahead of the 2025 season.

The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd on a two-year contract worth $29 million, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal also includes $1 million in performance bonuses, potentially bringing the total value to $30 million.

Boyd, who will turn 34 in February, began his major league career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018. He gained prominence with the Detroit Tigers the following year, maintaining a league-average performance as a starting pitcher from 2016 to 2020. During this period, Boyd posted a 4.75 ERA and a 4.54 FIP over 727 innings. Notably, he had a standout season in 2019, striking out 30.2% of batters faced while walking only 6.3%. However, his overall performance positioned him as a solid back-of-the-rotation pitcher.

Boyd's tenure with the Tigers ended after undergoing surgery for a torn flexor tendon late in 2021. He then had a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners in a limited relief role before rejoining the Tigers in 2023. Unfortunately, he made just 15 starts before requiring Tommy John surgery.

As a free agent recovering from major surgery, Boyd remained unsigned until June 2024 when he secured a deal with the Cleveland Guardians. After a stint in the minors, he debuted for the Guardians in mid-August and finished the season strong, posting a 2.72 ERA and 3.29 FIP in 39 2/3 innings across eight starts. Boyd also impressed during the Guardians' playoff run to the ALCS, maintaining a 0.75 ERA over 12 innings in four appearances.

Boyd's resurgence made him a sought-after free agent, despite his injury history. MLB Trade Rumors ranked him as the 23rd best free agent this winter, predicting a two-year, $25 million contract—slightly below the deal he ultimately received from the Cubs. Boyd is now the fourth starting pitcher to secure a multi-year contract this offseason, joining Yusei Kikuchi (Angels), Blake Snell (Dodgers), and Frankie Montas (Mets).

​The addition of Boyd bolsters the Cubs' rotation, which includes lefties Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, as well as right-hander Jameson Taillon. Initially aiming for a top-tier starter, the Cubs shifted their focus to reliable veteran arms, with Boyd fitting this revised strategy. Boyd's recent injury struggles have limited him to 202 2/3 innings since 2021, during which he has recorded a 4.04 ERA and 3.97 FIP with a 23.2% strikeout rate and 8% walk rate.

Right-handed pitcher Brooks Kriske has agreed to a contract with the Chicago Cubs, as announced by the 30-year-old on his Instagram and X accounts. While the specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it is expected to be a minor league contract. The Cubs have yet to confirm the move officially.

Early Career and Comeback
Growing up as a Cubs fan, Kriske was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2016. Despite not being a top prospect, he made an impressive comeback from an early-career Tommy John surgery and rapidly advanced through the minor leagues. By August 2018, Kriske was still pitching at Low-A after losing significant development time due to his injury. Remarkably, by July 2020, he was pitching for the Yankees' big league team. His progress earned him a spot on the Yankees' prospect lists heading into the 2021 season, ranking No. 34 by FanGraphs and No. 28 by Baseball America.

Major League Struggles
However, Kriske faced significant challenges in the majors. Over parts of two seasons with the Yankees, he posted a 15.09 ERA, allowing 20 runs (19 earned) in 11 1/3 innings. He gave up six home runs, walked more than 20% of the batters he faced, and threw seven wild pitches, four of which occurred in a single inning. After a particularly poor outing in September 2021, Kriske was optioned to Triple-A and later designated for assignment.

Brief Stint with the Orioles
Intrigued by his brief success against them in 2020, the Orioles claimed Kriske off waivers. While he didn't walk any batters, he struggled in his four appearances, allowing five runs on two homers in 3 1/3 innings. By the end of the 2021 season, Kriske had a career 14.40 ERA, 5.11 SIERA, and -0.8 FanGraphs WAR.

Success in Japan and Return to MLB
Following his release by the Orioles, Kriske signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He enjoyed a relatively successful season in Japan, posting a 2.57 ERA with 11.1 K/9 over 21 innings. This performance earned him a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals in December 2022.

Back in affiliated ball, Kriske struggled at Triple-A Omaha, recording a 5.52 ERA and 4.29 FIP over 29 1/3 innings. His 4.05 ERA over 6 2/3 MLB innings showed slight improvement, but a 16% walk rate and 5.30 SIERA indicated ongoing struggles. Midway through the 2023 season, Kriske returned to Japan, joining the Saitama Seibu Lions.

New Opportunity with the Cubs
​Now, Kriske has a new opportunity with the Cubs, hoping to leverage his experiences and overcome past challenges. The minor league deal presents a chance for Kriske to re-establish himself and potentially earn a spot on the major league roster.

Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger has exercised his player option for the 2025 season, but his future with the team remains uncertain. According to reports from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, rival executives indicate that the Cubs are actively looking to trade the 29-year-old.

Bellinger's contract, which includes $27.5 million for 2025 and a potential $25 million for 2026, could limit the Cubs' return in a trade. However, if the Cubs are motivated to move him, they should be able to find a suitor.

Despite a regression in production in 2024, Bellinger still posted a solid 111 OPS+ and has proven capable of handling center field, a weak position in this year's free-agent market. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman mentioned the New York Yankees as a potential fit for Bellinger if they fail to re-sign Juan Soto. Bellinger could also be a backup option for other teams involved in the Soto sweepstakes2.

Trading Bellinger would provide the Cubs with more payroll flexibility to address their top priority this offseason: pitching. While the Cubs have shown interest in adding a starter, conflicting reports have emerged about which arms they might target. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman mentioned the Cubs among the teams in the mix to sign one of the three aces available via free agency: Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. However, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma reports that the Cubs have ruled out that tier of free-agent hurlers and could also stay away from other pitchers who declined a qualifying offer, including Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Nick Pivetta.

Sharma suggests a few possible options for the Cubs, including Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Flaherty.

The Chicago Cubs have made a move to enhance their bullpen depth by signing reliever Phil Bickford to a minor league contract. The agreement was reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Bickford's Recent Performance
Phil Bickford, a 29-year-old right-hander, had a challenging year in the majors. He made eight appearances with the New York Yankees, pitching 8 1/3 innings and giving up nine runs on ten hits. Despite these struggles, Bickford shone in Triple-A, posting a 3.40 ERA with an impressive 30% strikeout rate and a manageable 7.7% walk rate. Although his big league performance didn't reflect these numbers, Bickford's ability to miss bats at the highest level remains promising.

Career Highlights
Bickford has shown potential throughout his five seasons in MLB. With an above-average 26.1% strikeout rate, he demonstrated his capability during his career-high 67 1/3 innings in 2023 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. However, he also experienced control issues, as evidenced by a 12.8% walk rate and nearly five earned runs allowed per nine innings.

Cubs' Strategy
By signing Bickford, the Cubs add a potentially valuable arm to their bullpen. His strong Triple-A numbers and ability to generate strikeouts make him a low-risk, high-reward addition. Bickford's experience and potential to rebound could provide the Cubs with much-needed depth and versatility in their pitching staff.

​As the Cubs gear up for the upcoming season, fans and analysts will be watching to see if Bickford can translate his minor league success to the major league level and contribute significantly to the team's success.

The Los Angeles Angels have announced a trade involving catcher Matt Thaiss, who will be joining the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. This move comes shortly after the Angels designated Thaiss for assignment last week. To accommodate Thaiss on their roster, the Cubs have designated right-hander Trey Wingenter for assignment, as reported by Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune on X.

Thaiss, who will turn 30 in May, departs the Angels for the first time in his professional career. He was drafted by the Angels as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Initially a catcher in college, the Angels drafted him as a corner infielder, indicating their interest in his offensive potential.

Throughout his progression in the minor leagues, Thaiss demonstrated his batting capabilities, hitting .279/.363/.445 with a 117 wRC+ across multiple levels from 2016 to 2019. However, his major league performance has not matched his minor league success. In 771 big league plate appearances, Thaiss has posted a .208/.313/.342 line with an 83 wRC+.

While this level of production is suboptimal for a corner infielder, it is more acceptable for a backup catcher. The Angels, often crowded with designated hitters and corner infielders like Shohei Ohtani, Albert Pujols, Anthony Rendon, and Jared Walsh, transitioned Thaiss back to catching in 2021. Most defensive metrics rate Thaiss as below average behind the plate, which is not surprising given his years away from the position.

Despite being a serviceable backup to Logan O’Hoppe in recent seasons, the Angels decided to move forward without Thaiss. The recent signing of Travis d’Arnaud to a two-year contract made Thaiss the third catcher on the depth chart. With no remaining options, the Angels designated him for assignment, leading to the trade with the Cubs.

For the Cubs, Thaiss represents a practical addition amidst their current uncertainties behind the plate. The team released Yan Gomes in June, Tomás Nido in August, and outrighted Christian Bethancourt in November. Before acquiring Thaiss, Miguel Amaya was the sole catcher on their 40-man roster. It was reported in August that the Cubs would seek catching help this winter.

Amaya showed promise towards the end of the season but had an overall subpar year. With no remaining options and a recent top prospect status, Amaya likely secures a roster spot but still has much to prove at the major league level. In 170 MLB games, Amaya holds a .227/.300/.357 batting line with an 87 wRC+.

​The addition of Thaiss provides the Cubs with a seasoned player who can add depth and experience to their catching roster. This move offers Thaiss a fresh start and an opportunity to prove his worth in a new setting.

One of the main goals for Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, this offseason is to enhance bullpen depth. Early-season struggles within the relief corps last year led to a chain reaction of issues that took months to resolve.

On Wednesday, the Cubs made a significant move in this direction by acquiring reliever Eli Morgan from the Guardians in exchange for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario, who is ranked No. 21 on the Cubs’ Top 30 prospects list by Pipeline. To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Patrick Wisdom was designated for assignment.

“Our bullpen numbers in the second half of the season were exceptionally strong, ranking among the best in baseball,” Hoyer said at the end of the season. “But at critical moments when our relievers struggled and were injured early on, we didn’t have sufficient depth, and that hurt us. Addressing this issue is a priority.”

Morgan, a 28-year-old right-hander, brings four years of major league experience from Cleveland’s bullpen and is under team control for the next three seasons. This offseason marks his first eligibility for arbitration, and he also has one Minor League option remaining, adding valuable flexibility.

Beyond logistical advantages, Morgan is coming off his best major league season. He posted a 1.93 ERA and limited opponents to a .194 batting average over 42 innings. His fastball averaged 92.2 mph, though it ranked in the 21st percentile according to Statcast. Nevertheless, Morgan's repertoire includes a plus changeup and an above-average slider, which became his primary secondary pitch in 2024 with a 32.8% whiff rate.

​This acquisition represents a strategic step forward for the Cubs as they aim to strengthen their bullpen and ensure better depth and resilience for the upcoming season.

In a significant roster move, the Chicago Cubs are designating their former closer, Adbert Alzolay, for assignment, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to ESPN.

Alzolay, 29, is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in August, and is not expected to return to the mound until late 2025. Over his six-year tenure with the Cubs, the veteran right-hander made 27 starts and saved 27 games. He had taken on the role of closer for much of the past two seasons but struggled in 2024, ultimately losing his job before getting injured.

Throughout his career with the Cubs, Alzolay compiled a 12-25 record with a 4.04 ERA. His standout season came in 2023, where he successfully saved 22 games while maintaining an impressive 2.67 ERA over 64 innings. Initially, Alzolay began as a starter for the Cubs as recently as 2021 but found greater success when transitioned to the bullpen.

This decision clears a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster, though the team will remain responsible for the cost of Alzolay's rehabilitation unless he is picked up by another team.

​The move highlights the ongoing adjustments and strategic decisions within the Cubs' organization as they aim to build a competitive roster for future seasons.

It has been rumored for quite a while, but now it is official - Cody Bellinger is returning to the Cubs on a 3 year, $80 Million deal.
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Bellinger, aged 28, reportedly has the option to opt out after either the first or second years of the contract. Sources indicate he's slated to earn $30 million for the upcoming season, another $30 million in 2025 (conditional on not opting out after the first year), and $20 million in 2026 (provided he doesn't opt out after the second year).

In 2023, Bellinger's improved health propelled him to a standout season, earning him recognition as the National League Comeback Player of the Year. Despite finishing 10th in NL MVP voting, he significantly reduced his strikeout rate compared to previous seasons and demonstrated prowess against left-handed pitchers, boasting a .337 batting average with a .984 OPS against them.

Prior to joining the Cubs, Bellinger had endured two challenging seasons due to a lingering shoulder injury sustained during the 2020 playoffs. Despite registering his lowest average exit velocity of his career in 2023 at just 87.9 mph, he adjusted his approach by shortening his swing with two strikes, resulting in softer contact but fewer strikeouts. Remarkably, his whiff rate dropped to a career-low of 15.6%, and he batted .279 with two strikes, ranking second in all of baseball behind Luis Arraez.
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After securing a deal worth $17.5 million with Chicago, Bellinger earned a Silver Slugger award. He then chose to decline a $25 million option for the current season, entering a market rife with potential for top-tier hitters. However, initial assessments by general managers deemed his asking price excessive. As Bellinger lingered on the market, the pool of teams willing to make significant financial commitments dwindled.

Via a tweet from Patrick Mooney, Cubs Pitcher Michael Fulmer will miss the 2024 season after undergoing UCL revision surgery on his right elbow.
Fulmer appeared in 58 games, had a 3-5 record and a 4.42 ERA.
Fulmer is en expected, upcoming Free Agent.