The Chicago Cubs have been doing a few things very “un-Cubs-y” of the franchise this offseason.
Known for being frugal and conservative in their movements, even when pushing for something specific like a playoff berth, the Cubs front office has been uncharacteristically daring.
Unlike The Chicago Cubs
The trade to acquire Houston Astros outfield star Kyle Tucker, for what may be a one-year rental, was not at all like president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer or his team. It was a bold and daring, roll of the dice “win now” move, giving up substantial capital in third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and well-regarded top prospect Cam Smith for a legit all-star who will likely be gone via free agency next season.
Again, most un-Cubs-like.
Then, to take Cody Bellinger and flip him to the New York Yankees after acquiring Tucker. That was bold in its own right, even if the dumping of salary was in keeping with the team’s recent tightening of the belt when it comes to spending.
By all accounts, there’s more boldness to come.
Cubs Interested In Jack Flaherty?
Recently named as one of the teams “in” on Los Angeles Dodgers free agent pitcher Jack Flaherty and his projected 4-year, $92 million salary, their interest flies in the face of their previous aversion to big-money, long-commitment deals with pitchers.
Is the change of attitude born out of desperation, as high-end pitchers disappear from the free agency talent pool and trades for established arms have thus far failed to come through? Or maybe there’s a desperation to win now, not entirely unconnected with Hoyer being up for contract renewal at the end of the season.
Some have taken notice of this change, like Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib, who views the team’s interest in Flaherty as a sign of a Cubs team more willing to venture outside its comfort zone to acquire talent.
Per Campbell:
“The type of contract that Flaherty is projected to receive this offseason is one that the Cubs have avoided in recent seasons…With the 2025 season serving as a variation of an “all-in” year for Jed Hoyer, Flaherty could fall into that picture.
The Cubs remaining in the mix for Flaherty does seem to confirm that the front office may be angling toward fallback moves for when they have official confirmation they won’t be signing [Roki] Sasaki. If that is the case, the Cubs may pivot back to the trade market instead of spending on a pitcher like Flaherty. While not discrediting the idea of Flaherty, it seems that the Cubs are more willing to spend in prospect capital than they are free-agent capital.”
Big, Bold Moves Coming?
The Cubs have been looking to make big moves this offseason and, in another departure from their standard modus operandi, they are letting their exploits leak out to the public.
Trade rumors have abounded this offseason and the Cubs’ interest in certain free agents has become public knowledge to a greater extent than ever before.
It’s almost as if Hoyer and the Cubs really, really want fans and media to know how much they’re trying to add missing pieces to the Cubs puzzle…or maybe Hoyer wants ownership to know prior to contract extension talks.
Whatever the case, wheels are still spinning when it comes to the Cubs and the addition of talent this offseason. And, apparently, the team is willing to make some deals to make that happen.
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