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After reaching the NLCS last season, the Chicago Cubs seemed like they were one piece away from becoming serious World Series contenders this offseason. To address that, they added three great pieces.
Of course, those three pieces would be outfielder Jason Heyward, second baseman Ben Zobrist and starting pitcher John Lackey.
Heyward is a home run signing for a couple of reasons. For one, he’s just 26 years old (he’s actually a day younger than Anthony Rizzo) and entering his prime. Players entering free agency for the first time generally aren’t that young.
The outfielder is also one of the best defensive players in the game. Even though he’s going to play center field for the Cubs as of right now instead of his natural position in right field, he will still be a plus defender.
Zobrist is 34 years old and got a big, four-year, $56 million contract, but he may just be worth it. He’s a good on-base, top-of-the-lineup hitter and can play nearly anywhere in the field. On top of that, he provides an important veteran presence on a very young team. His arrival also makes Javier Baez a utility player, which shows just how much depth the team has offensively.
Lackey is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and even though he’s 37 years old, he figures to have a little bit left in the tank. The two-year deal he got from the Cubs was a bit pricey, but if he helps the team win the World Series in either of the next two seasons, he will be worth every penny.
The only thing the team hasn’t done this offseason is add a legitimate No. 4 starter. For a while, there were rumors swirling they would trade outfielder Jorge Soler for a young, team-controlled starter, but that buzz has died down. Making a move like that would enable Baez to play every day and make the rotation one of the best in the game.
Still, the Cubs won the 2016 MLB offseason with their bold moves and clear vision for breaking their 107-year World Series drought.
Final Grade: A
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