CUBS TRADE SOLER TO GET CLOSER DAVIS
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Cubs got the big- time closer they targeted in Wade Davis, but Wednesday’s trade with the Royals doesn’t come close to finishing their offseason bullpen plans.
“We’re going to try to build up a ton of depth,” team president Theo Epstein said. “We’re going to try to build up a really talented, deep bullpen with a lot of different options that we can use in close games.”
Epstein expects to carry an eight- man bullpen this year as the Cubs try to repeat as World Series champs.
Davis fills the top need, and the Cubs started to address their other specific bullpen needs with last week’s signing of left- hander Brian Duensing ( one year, $ 2 million).
“But we’re still out there looking for pitching, and if we find some it’ll probably [ be] on a shorter- term deal,” said Epstein, adding the ideal addition would be another left- hander.
General manager Jed Hoyer said the team is staying in touch with free- agent left- hander Travis Wood.
Free- agent lefties of interest also include the Mets’ Jerry Blevins.
And the Cubs have been involved with Davis’ predecessor, Greg Holland, since early in the offseason. A significant piece of the Royals’ dominant bullpen during back- to- back World Series appearances, the right- handed Holland is expected to be at full strength by spring training after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
The Cubs might also select a bullpen arm in Thursday’s Rule 5 draft if a specific pitcher or two they like is available with the 30th pick.
The Cubs also return hardthrowing young right- hander Carl Edwards Jr. And team officials, including Epstein have said all week the three power right- handers who are back after injuries last summer are all healthy: Hector Rondon ( triceps); Pedro Strop ( knee, groin); and Justin Grimm ( shoulder).
Rondon back to setup role
Rondon, the Cubs’ closer from 2014 until Aroldis Chapman was acquired last summer, just got demoted again Wednesday without throwing a pitch.
Manager Joe Maddon called him to explain that he expects to use him as the primary setup man and occasional backup closer.
“He understands Wade being there,” Maddon said. “He was great. I told him how much I respect him. And he’s all about the team. It’s just one of those things.”
Epstein said he doesn’t expect it to be an issue.
“Look, it’s been Aroldis Chapman and Wade Davis,” Epstein said. “There’s fewer than 10 people maybe on the planet that you would move Rondon out of the closer’s role for, in my opinion. Those happen to be two of them.
“And we’re just fortunate to have those guys, and he understands that, and he can really impact the team in a setup role.”
Notes
The Cubs still hope to add depth to their rotation, preferably in the form of a player who could start at Class AAA Iowa, if necessary. For now, Epstein identifies four rotation depth guys behind projected fifth starter Mike Montgomery: left- hander Rob Zastryzny; and righthanders Jake Buchanan, Aaron Brooks and Seth Frankoff ( signed as a minor- league free agent).
As he undergoes an offseason reset on his mechanics and hitting approach, right- fielder Jason Heyward is working this season with former Giants MVP and Marlins hitting coach Barry Bonds.
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