The goodwill after winning a World Series can last a very long time. The Chicago Cubs are only a week removed from their big win and they are beginning to make moves that are leaving some scratching their heads.
Aroldis Chapman, one of the big names that helped the Cubs to their World Series win, is seeking a big contract. He is seeking a contract in upwards of $100 million according to one agent talking to CSN Chicago. The deal would double up what Jonathan Papelbon got from Philadelphia Phillies. The only real way for him to accomplish such a deal would be if the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers getting into a bidding war. It has happened before and it could happen again.
The Cubs have already stated that they are going to stay out of that fray and look at outside options. They don’t believe it is necessary to invest in a player like Chapman. They may have a point considering what the bullpen was during the regular season and how they limited that crew to only a trusted few pitchers during the Postseason.
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer had this to say during the GM meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“We’re going to explore every avenue, obviously, there’s an appeal to guys in the free-agent market that have had great track records. But I think closers come from all over. Generally – when you sort of start looking at where those guys come from – some (have) had some bumps along the road and established themselves later on.”
When you have your team set up for the next few years, you’re allowed to experiment relentlessly with your team. It looks like the Cubs will be doing so with their bullpen. Who am I to question the World Series champions?
