December 14, 2017

Chicago Tribune, Seeing a slimmer Kyle Schwarber is believing Cubs should hold on to him http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-kyle-schwarber-haugh-20171213-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs avoid controversy with Brandon Morrow, Drew Smyly contracts http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-brandon-morrow-drew-smyly-contracts-20171213-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs, White Sox scouts to be honored http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-white-sox-scouts-awards-20171214-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cardinals' improvement, Mike Montgomery's aspirations present challenges to Cubs http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-cardinals-mike-montgomery-winter-meetings-20171213-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Scott Boras calls Cubs' decision on free agent Jake Arrieta an 'intellectual choice' http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-jake-arrieta-20171213-story.html

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs brace for different NL Central as rival Cards go big this winter https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-brace-for-different-nl-central-as-rival-cards-go-big-this-winter/

Chicago Sun-Times, Montgomery to Cubs: ‘I’ve proven I can [start] and want opportunity’ https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/montgomery-to-cubs-ive-proven-i-can-start-and-want-opportunity/

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs reportedly in trade talks with Indians for Danny Salazar https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-trade-talks-rumors-indians-danny-salazar-kyle-schwarber/

Cubs.com, Cubs continuing to explore rotation options https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-are-still-hoping-to-add-one-starter/c-263507998

Cubs.com, Report: Cubs, Cishek agree to terms https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/steve-cishek-cubs-agree-to-deal/c-263530568

NBC Sports Chicago, Cubs trying to stay flexible amid slow-moving pitching market http://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cubs-trying-stay-flexible-amid-slow-moving-pitching-market-theo-epstein-wade-davis-cardinals-trade-mike-montgomery-mlb-rumors

NBC Sports Chicago, The Cardinals are absolutely coming after the Cubs now http://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cardinals-are-absolutely-coming-after-cubs-now-marcell-ozuna-trade-mlb-rumors-stanton-pham-fowler

NBC Sports Chicago, Scott Boras has a very high opinion of the Cubs — even if they won't hand Jake Arrieta $200 million http://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/scott-boras-has-very-high-opinion-cubs-even-if-they-wont-hand-jake-arrieta-200-million-mlb-free-agency

-- Chicago Tribune Seeing a slimmer Kyle Schwarber is believing Cubs should hold on to him By David Haugh Without saying a word, Kyle Schwarber told the Cubs, “Keep me.” The outfielder showed up at baseball’s winter meetings in Orlando, Fla., at least 20 pounds lighter and noticeably leaner, the strongest statement yet about his future. It was enough to drown out all the whispers. Some professional athletes eat their way out of town. Schwarber lost weight and regained a measure of public confidence in him, just in case the Cubs’ had started to wane. Not that paying more attention to diet and exercise necessarily will improve Schwarber as an outfielder or reduce his strikeouts. That involves more than a seven-week process. But pudgy Americans everywhere can attest to how a commitment to a healthy lifestyle can announce a fresh start, which is exactly what Schwarber needed after a disappointing 2017 season. The sight of a slimmed-down Schwarber, who drove over from Tampa to meet with his marketing agent and check in with Cubs President Theo Epstein, says he took the career setback seriously. An obvious body transformation so soon suggests Schwarber slept in the morning after the Dodgers eliminated the Cubs in the National League Championship Series and started attacking a rigorous fitness regimen the next day. A refocused, reshaped Schwarber bodes well for the Cubs in 2018. A rededicated power hitter who hit 30 home runs in an off year offers all sorts of possibilities. This is a serious competitor. Give up on a 24-year-old with 658 major-league at-bats at your own risk, Theo. Remember that Schwarber’s burden will feel lighter too. The oversized expectations that intensified the pressure on him at the start of 2017 have diminished, and nothing fuels a high-character guy this competitive like doubt. Sentimentality has nothing to do with why the Cubs should keep Schwarber. Practicality does. Yes, Schwarber remains a designated hitter disguised as a clumsy outfielder who represents a possible defensive liability every time he takes the field. No, Schwarber isn’t a realistic option behind the plate no matter how badly he wants to catch one day. But a left-handed bat with 40-homer capability is a rare commodity worth keeping for a team that struggled to score against quality pitching in the playoffs. It’s easier for the Cubs to compensate on defense than survive on offense without a hitter that potent. As long as starting over for Schwarber doesn’t mean leading off, the ridiculous notion manager Joe Maddon floated again the other day. If Maddon still can’t see how abysmal that experiment was last season, he needs new lenses in his trademark black horn-rimmed glasses. One of 11 hitters who led off

last season, Schwarber hit .190 in 37 games in that spot. Instead of finding a trade partner for a Schwarber deal this winter, the Cubs should be exploring every available leadoff hitter on the free-agent and trade markets. The Red Sox aren’t rumored to be interested in Schwarber because they envision him leading off at Fenway Park. If the pace of baseball’s offseason were any slower, it would be a playoff game. The Cubs signed starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood and reliever Brandon Morrow, solid moves but hardly enough to assuage concerns. Go ahead and pencil Chatwood into John Lackey’s No. 5 spot in the rotation — an upgrade — and Morrow into the closer role for now, but the Cubs have yet to replace starter Jake Arrieta or reliever Wade Davis. Arrieta, even in an off year, made the Cubs feel better about October. Davis made a strong case as the team’s most valuable player. It will take more than Morrow, who has 18 career saves with four teams, to solidify the back end of the bullpen. Sure, Carl Edwards Jr. still might be the closer of the future, but his most recent postseason experience suggested that future shouldn’t be 2018. It will take more than signing Rays starter Alex Cobb or trading for Indians right-hander Danny Salazar — Wednesday’s rumor — to assemble a pitching staff capable of competing with the Nationals and Dodgers, the standard by which the Cubs should be measured. The Cubs can’t be done adding pitchers. They can’t replace Arrieta and Davis by committee and report to Arizona in February resembling a team headed to its fourth straight NLCS. They need to make a strong run at re-signing Davis, at the risk of overpaying, and shore up the rotation by signing Yu Darvish, an elite arm despite his playoff failures, or trading for a true top-of-the-rotation talent such as Chris Archer of the Rays. The Cubs have plenty of assets to offer the Rays for Archer, experienced young players on the major-league roster such as outfielders Ian Happ and Albert Almora Jr. and infielders Addison Russell and Javier Baez. They also could offer Schwarber, whose potential as a clubhouse leader and run producer makes him dangerous for the Cubs to deal. Schwarber simply has a unique skill set and disposition — and looks more like a keeper every day. -- Chicago Tribune Cubs avoid controversy with Brandon Morrow, Drew Smyly contracts By Mark Gonzales After the Cubs learned they had to restructure the incentive clauses in the contract of free agent pitcher Tyler Chatwood, they avoided any controversy in the text of deals with recently signed pitchers Brandon Morrow and Drew Smyly. Morrow and Smyly have incentives in their contracts, but they’re not based on National League Cy Young Award votes that were in Chatwood’s contract and raised a potential conflict with the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, which votes on postseason awards. Morrow’s two-year, $21 million contract includes a $12 million team option for 2020 or a $3 million buyout. The option vests if Morrow pitches in 50 games in 2019 or 100 games in 2018-19 and if he is “deemed to not have a non-temporary impairment,” according to language in the contract.

Smyly’s two-year, $10 million contract features an array of incentives based on his health and usage as a starter and reliever. Smyly, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, will receive a $100,000 bonus if he’s on the 2018 active roster for 15 days and 30 days. The bonus increases by $200,000 if Smyly is on the roster for 45 and 60-day increments. In 2019, Smyly will receive a bonus of $200,000 if he starts 10 games and another $200,000 bonus if he starts 12 games. The bonus increases in increments of $350,000 if Smyly reaches the 14- and 16-game mark in starts, and another $400,000 for starting 18 games. Smyly can earn up to an additional $2.5 million in bonuses if he can start up to 28 games. As a reliever, Smyly can earn up to $2.6 million in bonuses based on innings pitched and games. -- Chicago Tribune Cubs, White Sox scouts to be honored By Mark Gonzales The late Stan Zielinski of the Cubs and Dave Yoakum of the White Sox will be honored for their service as scouts Jan. 13 at the 15th annual “In the Spirit of the Game” dinner in Beverly Hills, Calif. Zielinski, who passed away last January at 64, and Yoakum, who turns 72 on Friday, will receive the George Genovese Lifetime Achievement Award in Scouting by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation. Zielinski, a scout for 38 years, worked for the Cubs from 2001 until his passing and recommended the likes of Kyle Schwarber and Jeff Samardzija. Zielinski also recommended Cliff Floyd and Kirk Reuter during his tenure with the Montreal Expos. Yoakum has worked for the White Sox since the end of the 1991 season, serving primarily as a special assignment scout. Since 1971, Yoakum has served as a scout, coach or instructor with the Astros, Yankees and Blue Jays. Jason McLeod, executive vice president of scouting and player development, and Samardzija will present the award to the Zielinski family, while Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf will be Yoakum’s presenter. Ken Griffey Jr. will receive the Player Lifetime Achievement Award. Yoakum joined Dennis Gilbert, Roland Hemond and late scout Harry Minor in starting the PBSF to support scouts who have served in baseball for at least 25 years but have falling under financial duress because of illness, retirement or being released from their contracts. The dinner features an auction of sports and entertainment memorabilia to help raise funds. --

Chicago Tribune Cardinals' improvement, Mike Montgomery's aspirations present challenges to Cubs By Mark Gonzales Cubs President Theo Epstein doesn’t view Mike Montgomery’s strong desire to become a full-time starting pitcher as big of a threat to his club as an improved Cardinals roster. As the rival Cardinals completed a trade Wednesday that landed them slugging outfielder Marcell Ozuna from the ransacked Marlins, Epstein didn’t see Montgomery’s demand to start or get an opportunity to start elsewhere as a detriment and planned to talk to him sometime after baseball’s winter meetings end Thursday. “There are times over the course of a player’s career that what might be best for him individually doesn’t exactly align with what’s best for the team,” Epstein said. “This may evolve into one of those times, and he’ll have to wear it. His day will come. It just might not be right now. But this is one of those times. I don’t look at a five-man rotation as being in stone.” Epstein stressed Montgomery would get stretched out in spring training before the Cubs decide what role is best for the team. Montgomery, 28, posted four starts in the second half last season in which he allowed one run or fewer, but he has a 2.29 ERA in 72 career relief outings. “You need eight to 10 starters, and Mike Montgomery is going to make plenty of starts,” Epstein said. “We’re open to the idea of (using a six-man rotation at different points in the season), and health becomes a factor when pressing guys into the rotation. We’re going to be open-minded about things. But in the end. Mike is going to do what’s right for the Cubs.” Epstein reminded reporters the Cubs currently have only four firm starting pitchers — Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood. The Cubs will continue to look for a starter even as a source tempered a report they are interested in Royals left-hander Danny Duffy, 28. Multiple reports, however, have linked them to hard-throwing Danny Salazar of the Indians. Salazar, 27, pitched in only 23 games (19 starts) in 2017 because of shoulder, elbow and forearm ailments. But he went 25-16 overall in 2015-16 and made the American League All-Star team in ’16. The Cubs could face the juggling act of trying to pursue a free-agent closer such as Wade Davis for the right price and still have the resources to add a starting pitcher. Salazar is under team control for the next three seasons, and Duffy is signed through 2021. Epstein didn’t think the Cubs would make another acquisition before the meetings end Thursday, but added “things change quickly with one phone call.” Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ activity hasn’t surprised Epstein as they have signed starting pitcher Miles Mikolas and veteran reliever Luke Gregerson as well as Ozuna, who batted .312 with 37 home runs and 124 RBIs last season. “Coming in here, we thought by the end of the winter they would get one or two big bats, maybe a big closer or starter,” said Epstein, noting the Cardinals have a strong farm system and payroll flexibility and are motivated after failing to reach the playoffs the past two seasons. “It’s going to be big.

“We have to remind ourselves not to be reactionary. Have to do what’s best for the Cubs. Continue to put a team on the field that can contend for the World Series and have sustained success. That’s what we’re here to do.” -- Chicago Tribune Scott Boras calls Cubs' decision on free agent Jake Arrieta an 'intellectual choice' By Mark Gonzales The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes and the Marlins’ trade of slugger Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees have dominated the winter meetings and delayed some momentum by several teams, but agent Scott Boras tried to make up for lost time discussing the future of free agent Jake Arrieta. In the case of the Cubs, Boras credited team Chairman Tom Ricketts and President Theo Epstein for the planning and success of the franchise that has increased its value to $2 billion. “This is really a matter of an intellectual choice for them,” Boras said Wednesday. “And the road to Playoffville is about winning big games at big times. And the one thing that Jake Arrieta has done is he’s done that for the Cubs, and they know that. I’m sure they’re always going to have interest in acquiring that.” Boras declined to say whether Arrieta was worth $180 million to $200 million, nor would he share the preferred length of contract for his client. Instead, Boras explained Arrieta’s value as a difference-maker to franchises trying to win big games. “There are three pitchers — (Justin) Verlander, (Madison) Bumgarner and Arrieta — who have won three elimination games. Your team goes home if you don’t win, and they’ve proven they have the wherewithal to do that. “ Boras also stressed Arrieta’s Cy Young-level standards, durability and low mileage compared to other veteran pitchers of Arrieta’s age range who have thrown about 800 more innings. “You’ve narrowed this down to a very, very small group of pitchers who are available,” Boras said. As for discussions with the Cubs, Boras would say only that “I’ve talked to Tom at times during the season.” Boras downplayed the assumption that Arrieta, an Austin, Texas, resident, could prefer a deal with the Rangers. “What Jake is really looking for is a place that allows him to continue to win and give his family a place to be for a long time,” Boras said. “He has young children. I’m not sure geography is the measurement in this case.” Boras didn’t disappoint several dozen media members who were looking for a witty line, such as comparing the Yankees’ trade with the Marlins to a jewelry store (Yankees) trading with a major-league jewelry store becoming a “pawn shop.” Boras also shifted the focus of a question regarding the Cubs’ interest in signing Kris Bryant to a multiyear contract and buying out his arbitration years.

“I think Kris Bryant is very happy in Chicago,” Boras said. “Theo and I talk about a lot of things and a lot of players. And we have many conversations, and the idea of what he thinks of Kris Bryant is something that I think we’re both well aware that he’s respected and he’s a franchise player in Chicago. “They have control over him for four more years. Normally in those situations, that is a patient, rather than a media, conversation.” Boras also said he hasn’t been contacted by Major League Baseball regarding the possible completion of an investigation of shortstop Addison Russell being involved in an alleged domestic incident. “His offseason has been great,” Boras said. “He’s been out at our sports fitness institute in California, and he’s focused and in great shape and looking forward to the season.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs brace for different NL Central as rival Cards go big this winter By Gordon Wittenmyer LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Theo Epstein knew there would be days like this. And probably a few more before the winter is over. As the Cubs’ president and his front office continued to push through a slow-moving market for starting pitching while considering where to pounce in a fast-moving reliever market, the division-rival Cardinals on Wednesday traded for All-Star outfielder Marcell Ozuna — just their latest acquisition in a very active offseason. “Look, we’ve expected the Cardinals to have a huge offseason,” said Epstein, who called the Ozuna move “a strong trade for them.” “They’re positioned really well with a strong farm system, a lot of movable parts and lots of payroll flexibility,” he said. “Some years you’re positioned to have a big offseason, some years it’s going to be more of a quiet one. And this one for them, the writing was on the wall: It’s going to be big.” After being eliminated by the Cubs in the 2015 playoffs, then missing October in ’16 and ’17, the Cardinals signaled their aggressiveness this winter by striking a deal for big-ticket slugger Giancarlo Stanton before the MVP exercised his no-trade rights. They have since signed a starter and a veteran reliever, and they are working on a trade to get American League saves champ Alex Colome and another to send Stephen Piscotty to Oakland (and clear right field for Dexter Fowler to move from center). None of which is a surprise to the Cubs, who are far from done as they look at trade and free-agent possibilities for a starting pitcher while staying in touch with closer Wade Davis’ agent for a possible return to Chicago. But they’re also bracing for a different competitive landscape in 2018, between the reshuffled Cards, resurgent Brewers and their own changes, including the free-agent loss of Jake Arrieta. “The Brewers are kind of situated where we were a few years ago, with young players who have come up learning how to win at the big-league level and already been through a pennant race,” Epstein said. “And they have a strong farm system and an aggressive owner and the ability to add. So we think both

those teams are for real and going nowhere. And the Pirates are no walk in the park, either. And the Reds have a really strong lineup. “As we looked at what we hope will be a seven-year window for us at least, we knew there would be a bit of a transition after ’17 to ’18,” he added, “in part because of the free agents that we’re losing and some of our other players starting to get into the arbitration process and make some money and so taking up more of the payroll just with the talent that we have here. “We also recognize that some other teams are going to be reaching a different part of their arc as well. So it’s just going to be increasingly challenging. That’s the way it should be.” The final word Agent Scott Boras, who held his annual Winter Meetings session with media Wednesday, didn’t seem to think Stanton’s trade to the Yankees precludes the Yanks from being suitors for client Bryce Harper, the prize of next year’s free agent market — even if Aaron Judge already is in that same outfield. “I’m into the three tenors,” Boras said. -- Chicago Sun-Times Montgomery to Cubs: ‘I’ve proven I can [start] and want opportunity’ By Gordon Wittenmyer LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Cubs left-hander Mike Montgomery is clear about at least one thing: He doesn’t want out of Chicago. But he’s even more serious about another: He wants out of the Cubs bullpen. Montgomery, whose ability to fill in effectively in the rotation to cover injuries was a big part of last year’s playoff appearance, didn’t refute a report Tuesday night that he wanted to start in 2018 or wanted to go someplace else where he could. “I don’t have a lot to say in that. They have control of my rights and my contract,” he said by phone Wednesday between workouts in Arizona. “I’m going to be nice. I’m not going to say trade me or else. I just want them to know I am serious about starting. “I’ve always been team-first. But I don’t know if the role I’ve been doing the last few years is physically in my best interest. Going back and forth is really tough to do. I don’t think it’s much more than that.” Montgomery, one of the more likable and respected players in a close-knit clubhouse, also has been an important linchpin for the pitching side of the Cubs’ success the last two seasons as a swingman. “I love Chicago. It’s been unbelievable the last two years,” he said. “I want to stay there, the rest of my career if possible. It’s not a matter of being unhappy. It’s just a matter of [the fact] I want to be a starter, and proven I can do it, and want the opportunity.” Because of Montgomery’s personality and history, the Cubs don’t consider his comments a problem or detriment for the team.

“I don’t think we’re anywhere near that,” team president Theo Epstein said. “If he were a selfish person or a bad teammate or someone who wanted to try to put himself completely before his 24 teammates, we’d have a problem. But that’s not who he is. “You fall back on who the person is, and I believe in Mike Montgomery,” added Epstein, who said Montgomery will be stretched out as a starter in spring training before any decision is made – regardless of who the Cubs add. “He’s a team player. He’s a member of this organization in good standing. I think he’s added a lot to our culture, and he’s someone that we have a good relationship with.” Montgomery, who recorded the final out of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series for his first career save, has made 21 starts for the Cubs in the year and a half since being acquired in a trade from Seattle. He’s 6-6 with a 3.86 ERA in those starts – and has a 2.35 ERA in 72 relief appearances with the Cubs. That included 14 starts last season because of injuries to Kyle Hendricks and Jake Arrieta, including six impressive innings in late September to beat the Rays and Chris Archer – one of several pitchers linked at times to the Cubs in their search this winter to acquire starters that would be slotted ahead of Montgomery in the rotation pecking order. Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Tuesday night that the Montgomery report “caught me by surprise” because “we’ve had no dialogue with Mike whatsoever about that.” Epstein, who plans to reach out to Montgomery at some point after Thursday’s conclusion of the meetings, acknowledged the difficulty in bouncing between the pen and rotation but doesn’t consider it permanent. Regardless, the team’s needs come first, even if they don’t always align with the player’s, he said. “This may evolve into one of those times,” Epstein said. “And he will have to wear it. And his day will come; it might just not be right now. But I don’t think this is one of those times, because I don’t look at a five-man rotation as being in stone.” He said a six-man rotation, for at least part of the season, is a possibility. Montgomery just knows he’s ready to be a full-time starter, and the Cubs know his feelings on it. “I’ve made it clear to anyone I’ve talked to,” said Montgomery, who went into the offseason viewing free agent departures from the rotation as opportunities for 2018 that weren’t there the last two years. Then he watched the Cubs sign Tyler Chatwood to a three-year deal, sign rehabbing Drew Smyly anticipating a place in the 2019 rotation and continue to talk about adding another starter. “I don’t know if the opportunity is maybe as much as what I’ve been looking for,” he said. “They’re the team. They get to make the decisions. I want to make it clear I want to be a starter. That’s my goal. I know I can be a starter in this league. “I don’t want to be in a situation where I come into spring training and deserve a spot and it’s not there because of other contracts they’ve brought in.” He said he’s not thinking much about that at this point, even if sometimes might seem to him he could be the pitcher they’re looking for – right under their nose.

“I’ve been really motivated this offseason to really get back to work and challenge myself more than any other offseason,” he said of his five-day-a-week training regimen. And prove he belongs in the rotation, that he’s one of the Cubs’ best five options. “I’ve been trying to prove that since really I got in the league,” he said. “I’m always going to have to go out there and prove it. I’m ready for the challenge.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs reportedly in trade talks with Indians for Danny Salazar By Madeline Kenney The Cubs and Indians have reportedly had trade talks and right-hand pitcher Danny Salazar has been mentioned, according to CBS Sports. The Cubs have made adding depth to their pitching staff a top priority this offseason. The team has already signed Tyler Chatwood, Brandon Morrow and Drew Smyly. Salazar, who turns 28 next month, went 5-6 with a 4.28 ERA in 19 starts and four relief appearances last season with the Indians. In return, the Indians are reportedly looking to add a left-handed hitter. Who could the Cubs deal for Salazar? Potentially Kyle Schwarber. Now, the Cubs haven’t suggested the team has plans to trade Schwarber this offseason. But there have been several teams — including the Red Sox — that have reportedly expressed interest in the left-handed slugger. After a slow start and a demotion to Class AAA Iowa last season, Schwarber finished batting .211 with 30 home runs and 50 RBI in 129 games. -- Cubs.com Cubs continuing to explore rotation options By Carrie Muskat LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Cubs know Mike Montgomery wants to start, but they are still in the market for another starting pitcher. "[Montgomery] knows we think he can do both," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Wednesday of the lefty, who was 5-5 with a 4.15 ERA in 14 starts and compiled a 2.49 ERA in 30 relief appearances last season. "His day will come. This might not be one of those times." Montgomery will be stretched out as a starter in Spring Training but is projected for the bullpen when the regular season begins. There was a report on Tuesday that Montgomery wanted to start or be

traded, and Epstein said he would talk to the pitcher after the Winter Meetings end. Epstein didn't expect any problems with the left-hander. "I believe in Mike Montgomery," Epstein said. "He's a team player. He's a member of this organization in good standing and has added to our culture. You want the best for your players and to fulfill all their hopes and their ambitions, and you want their careers to go the way they want them to." The Cubs continue to explore their options. "I think the starting market is a little slower to develop both in free agency and in trades," Epstein said. "We're going to be patient. We continue to look to add pitching in the bullpen and in the rotation." Epstein did meet with free agent Wade Davis' agent about the possibility of the right-hander returning to the Cubs. However, that may be unrealistic because of the money Davis will likely command on the market. The Cubs already have signed starter Tyler Chatwood and reliever Brandon Morrow, who is expected to be the closer. • The Winter Meetings wrap up on Thursday with the Rule 5 Draft and the Cubs have the 24th pick. The 40-man roster is at 37. "It's a pretty strong class this year overall," Epstein said. "We may or may not take somebody. It depends on how realistic it fits." • The Cardinals added to the outfield Wednesday when they acquired Marcell Ozuna from the Marlins. "He's a great player and it's a strong trade for them," Epstein said. "We expected the Cardinals to have a huge offseason. They're positioned really well with a strong farm system and a lot of movable parts and lots of payroll flexibility coming off the last three years where we beat them in the playoffs in '15 and they haven't made it the last two years. "They're an incredible franchise, they always field a strong team. We felt this would be the offseason where they make a lot of big moves to get better and try to change the script. That's what makes it a great rivalry. We've been fully prepared for them to have a huge offseason knowing how well positioned they are." The Cubs do keep a close eye on what their Central Division rivals do. "We have to remind ourselves to not be reactionary and do what's best for the Cubs and put a team on the field that can compete for a World Series and have sustained success, and that's what we're here to do," Epstein said. -- Cubs.com Report: Cubs, Cishek agree to terms By Joe Trezza The Cubs added another bullpen piece from the free-agent market Thursday, agreeing to terms with veteran right-hander Steve Cishek, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal. The deal is pending a physical, according to Rosenthal. The club has not confirmed the deal.

Cishek, 31, enjoyed his second consecutive productive season last year, posting a 2.01 ERA over 49 appearances for the Mariners and Rays. He was particularly effective after Tampa Bay acquired him at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, pitching to a 1.09 ERA over 26 appearances down the stretch. A former closer, Cishek has evolved into a versatile reliever, with an ability to pitch in the middle and late innings. He throws almost exclusively sinkers and sliders, both from an unusual three-quarters arm angle. This profile makes him a strong foil for flame-throwing Brandon Morrow, the other veteran righty the Cubs have signed this week. It also makes Cishek particularly tough on right-handed hitters, whom he held to a .148 batting average against in 2017. Chicago had spots to fill in the bullpen this offseason after non-tendering Hector Rondon and potentially losing closer Wade Davis to free agency. -- NBC Sports Chicago Cubs trying to stay flexible amid slow-moving pitching market By Tony Andracki LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Even if the Cubs pack their bags and head back to Chicago with just a guy rehabbing from Tommy John surgery as their only haul from the MLB Winter Meetings, the week has not been in vain. Technically, the Cubs also reached terms with Brandon Morrow on Tuesday night, but the report of the agreement between the two sides was released Sunday night before the Winter Meetings kicked off at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. Don't blame fans for being anxious with a slow-moving market. The Winter Meetings are later than normal this year, and many free agents prefer to know where they're going to end up before Christmas so their families can kick back and enjoy the holidays. The Cubs are also in an enviable position where they don't have to do anything. They already reeled in their big fish before the meetings (Morrow and starter Tyler Chatwood, signed to a three-year deal last week). That allows Theo Epstein's front office to be selectively aggressive and not reactionary or desperate, which is right where they like to float. The Cubs could be just fine heading into 2018 with Mike Montgomery as their leading candidate for the fifth starting spot (which would clearly make the southpaw swingman happy). But they would prefer to add another arm to help mitigate the usual wear and tear pitching staffs face throughout the year. They also can slot Morrow in at closer and piece the bullpen together from there. "We're not still looking (for a closer)," Epstein said Wednesday evening. "If we go in with the complete status quo, Morrow would be closing. "There's a very small number of potential acquisitions that would cause us to restructure that. Wade Davis is certainly one of them."

The Cubs have made no secret they would love to have Davis back for the right price and Epstein confirmed Wednesday he has met with Davis' agent throughout the Winter Meetings. The Cubs loved the veteran closer's impact on the field, and he was clearly their most trusted reliever from Day 1 of the 2017 season. MLB Network's Dan Plesac even classified Davis as the Cubs' MVP last year. But the organization also loves Davis' quiet leadership and steady presence off the field, how he took control of the bullpen and helped make everybody around him better with his astute insight into pitching. That being said, the Cubs are trying to stay nimble and don't want to get backed into a corner by locking up too much of their resources to a closer and not leaving enough bandwith to add more rotation depth. Meanwhile, the rest of the league is gobbling up relievers in a hurry and everybody seems to be getting around $9 million per year, even if they're not closers. "It goes fast," Epstein said. "Once some guys come off the board, there's momentum to it. The agents want to make sure their guy doesn't get left out in the cold, so it's — get in at that value point. "And then the team starts seeing guys come off the board and get a little bit more proactive themselves. Part of our balancing act with the finite amount of payroll flexibility and multiple needs, we need to make sure we balance those accordingly. "In other words — not sign a reliever just because they're going off the board now. That might preclude us from getting the starter we want later on and vice versa." At the time Epstein spoke those words, the Cubs still had the largest free-agent deal in baseball, with the $38 million handed out to Chatwood last week. Once that changes, that might help bring some clarity to the Cubs' pitching situation, though the team is also still talking to other organizations about any potential impact pitching trades. Epstein said Wednesday evening he didn't think the Cubs would make another move before they packed up and headed back north for the winter, but, "things could change with one phone call." -- NBC Sports Chicago The Cardinals are absolutely coming after the Cubs now By Tony Andracki LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Cubs may not be looking over their shoulder, but the Cardinals are hot on their tail. St. Louis pulled off a whopper of a trade on the final day of the MLB Winter Meetings, setting the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort abuzz Wednesday afternoon by trading for stud outfielder Marcell Ozuna from the Miami Marlins.

Ozuna just turned 27 last month and is under team control for the next two years. He finished 15th in National League MVP voting last season after hitting .312 with a .924 OPS, 37 homers, 124 RBI and 93 runs scored. He has made the All-Star team two straight seasons and also won a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in 2017. The move gives the Cardinals arguably the most dynamic outfield in the NL, with Tommy Pham (who finished 11th in NL MVP voting last year) expected to slide over to center field full time and Dexter Fowler filling out whatever other corner outfield spot Ozuna doesn't take. Those three players — Pham, Fowler, Ozuna — will likely make up the heart of the Cardinals order for at least the next two seasons. In return, the Cardinals' full package hasn't yet been announced, but it is reported to be a haul: The 22-year-old Alcantara was ranked the Cardinals' No. 4 prospect by Baseball America last month. Ozuna is the latest addition in a busy offseason for the Cardinals, who have added pitcher Miles Mikolas and Luke Gregerson on free-agent deals. Gregerson figures to slot in as a late-inning option (possibly even serving as closer) while Mikolas will join the rotation. The Cardinals are still reportedly in on the game's top available closers, including Wade Davis. They lost pitchers Lance Lynn, Zach Duke, Seung Hwan Oh and Juan Nicasio to free agency this winter. The Cardinals and Marlins already engaged in repeated talks earlier this offseason regarding a possible Giancarlo Stanton trade, but the slugger ultimately turned down a deal, citing a lack of desire to play in St. Louis. He was later dealt to the New York Yankees. It's been three years since the Cardinals made the playoffs and despite 169 wins the last two seasons, have finished a combined 26.5 games behind the Cubs in the division. The last time the Cardinals made the postseason, they were ousted by the Cubs in the 2015 NLDS when Joe Maddon's team was still forming their winning ways. -- NBC Sports Chicago Scott Boras has a very high opinion of the Cubs — even if they won't hand Jake Arrieta $200 million By Tony Andracki LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Scott Boras saved all his money one-liners for other teams like the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees. The Cubs weren't on the wrong end of any of the super-agent's zingers like they were a few years ago with Boras' "Meet the Parents" comment about how the Ricketts family preferred not to jack up their payroll during a rebuild. Instead, Boras has completely changed his tune from that timeframe and took several opportunities to give the Cubs rave reviews as he stood on a literal pedestal to deliver his State of the Union Wednesday morning at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort.

"The club, economically, they're $2 billion above where they were five yeras ago, which just says a great deal about the operation with Tom [Ricketts] and Theo [Epstein] and Jed {Hoyer], what they've done," Boras said in a 1-on-1 interview with NBC Sports Chicago's Kelly Crull. "They've really done a remarkable job with the restoration of the franchise. "The next step — and often the hardest step — is how do you reinvest in your success? How do you continue to give that fanbase their best opportunity?" Boras, of course, is alluding to money and how the Cubs have to spend money to stay where they are. Because it always comes back to money with the world's most powerful sports agent. Money is also a major sticking point for Jake Arrieta, the top free agent pitcher on the market and Boras' No. 1 priority this winter. Arrieta and Boras are reportedly asking for somewhere in the neighborhood of $180-$200 million, though Boras balked at that, claiming he doesn't set the market (c'mon...). But Boras was also creative in how he sold Arrieta to the media throng of 200+ people Wednesday morning. He could've gotten into the epic 2015 season, Arrieta's Cy Young votes the last few years or his reputation as an elite (or close to it) starter. Instead, Boras continued to talk about the road to "Playoffville" and how Arrieta has joined the ranks of Madison Bumgarner and Justin Verlander as active October legends. Boras also continually pointed to Arrieta's lack of wear and tear on his arm, with only 1,161 big-league innings under his belt through his age-31 season. The Cubs almost certainly won't pay an exorbitant amount for what figures to be Arrieta's only big contract of his life, but that won't stop Boras from keeping Epstein and Co. in the loop publicly. "There are a number of people who are Jake's age who are 30, 31 and they have 1,700-2,000 innings on their arm," Boras told Crull. "Much like Max Scherzer, who was a similar age when he signed his contract 2-3 years ago, he also only had about 1,200 innings on his arm. "So [Arrieta is] about 4-5 seasons behind the customary wear and tear you usually see. I think it's part of the fact, but with Jake's conditioning, the rarity of his innings, having Cy Young success, being a big-game pitcher — those are components that you rarely don't find in a free agent market." --