Cubs' Hoyer Defends Reliever Market Strategy Amid Rumors of Uncertainty.
The Chicago Cubs are moving quickly in the relief market, having signed reliever Phil Maton to a two-year deal worth $14.5 million. The team's president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, has been surprised by how fast the market has moved this offseason.
"We're constantly trying to gauge when things are going to move or how that's going to happen," Hoyer said at the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida. "That's a constant source of conversation."
While the Cubs have taken an early swing at the reliever market, they've also been cited in more rumors than concrete news. One report about them signing right-hander Zac Gallen was quickly debunked.
In other areas, Hoyer confirmed that the Cubs will continue to be involved in the high-leverage reliever market and are likely to sign more relievers this offseason. The team is also expected to chase high-end starting pitching.
Hoyer shot down rumors that the Cubs might be handcuffed by their deal for reliever Phil Maton. "Whether we end up signing someone or not, I don't know," he said. "Depends on how other teams value them, honestly."
The Cubs are looking for another starter and have been involved in the bidding for free-agent right-hander Dylan Cease until it reached $200 million. However, Hoyer clarified that the team was comfortable within the previous bidding range.
On the position-player side, there has been buzz around the Cubs' reported interest in veteran free-agent third basemen Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez.
Hoyer described Cubs first baseman Matt Shaw as "Gold Glove quality" after his defense was evaluated by the end of the year. The team's focus on bolstering their bullpen, rotation, and bench has been evident at the winter meetings in Orlando.
"We have a lot of energy," Hoyer said. "We have a real focus on a lot of areas. I think it'll lead to activity — I can't tell you when. We could have an active December. We could have an active January."
The Cubs' offseason strategy has been characterized as a push to bolster their roster through free agency and trades.
The Chicago Cubs are moving quickly in the relief market, having signed reliever Phil Maton to a two-year deal worth $14.5 million. The team's president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, has been surprised by how fast the market has moved this offseason.
"We're constantly trying to gauge when things are going to move or how that's going to happen," Hoyer said at the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida. "That's a constant source of conversation."
While the Cubs have taken an early swing at the reliever market, they've also been cited in more rumors than concrete news. One report about them signing right-hander Zac Gallen was quickly debunked.
In other areas, Hoyer confirmed that the Cubs will continue to be involved in the high-leverage reliever market and are likely to sign more relievers this offseason. The team is also expected to chase high-end starting pitching.
Hoyer shot down rumors that the Cubs might be handcuffed by their deal for reliever Phil Maton. "Whether we end up signing someone or not, I don't know," he said. "Depends on how other teams value them, honestly."
The Cubs are looking for another starter and have been involved in the bidding for free-agent right-hander Dylan Cease until it reached $200 million. However, Hoyer clarified that the team was comfortable within the previous bidding range.
On the position-player side, there has been buzz around the Cubs' reported interest in veteran free-agent third basemen Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez.
Hoyer described Cubs first baseman Matt Shaw as "Gold Glove quality" after his defense was evaluated by the end of the year. The team's focus on bolstering their bullpen, rotation, and bench has been evident at the winter meetings in Orlando.
"We have a lot of energy," Hoyer said. "We have a real focus on a lot of areas. I think it'll lead to activity — I can't tell you when. We could have an active December. We could have an active January."
The Cubs' offseason strategy has been characterized as a push to bolster their roster through free agency and trades.
i think the cubs are just trying to stay ahead of the curve 
, they can't predict how teams will value players or when deals will get done 
. it's like trying to calm a storm 
, you gotta roll with the punches and adjust as you go 
. personally, i think phil maton is a solid signing 
, but we'll see how things play out in december 
.
, I mean it's like they're trying to get some quality arms on board ASAP 
. Jed Hoyer is doing his job, keeping everyone on their toes with all these rumors and whatnot 
. The fact that they're actively chasing high-end starting pitching and third basemen like Alex Bregman is fire 
. Can't wait to see what the rest of the offseason brings! 
️. Can't wait to see how things play out in December and January! 
But at the same time, I think it's great that they're trying to bolster their bullpen and rotation. We need to see how this all plays out, especially with the rumors of signing Zac Gallen (which didn't happen 
. They always seem to make some smart moves, even if things don't pan out exactly as planned. Here's hoping for a strong offseason! 
the real question is when are they gonna make their move on that starting pitching 
i mean phil maton is cool but 14.5 mill for two years seems steep idk if it's worth it tho, anyone else think they're just trying to chill on the market and let other teams fight over the scraps 
! Hoyer's defense of their reliever market strategy is pretty reasonable, imo 
. They're actively trying to address their needs and make some moves that'll put them in a good position come April