MLB Hot Stove Rumors: Wade Davis is reportedly available and the Cubs want him
Chicago needs to replace Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning
By
Mike Axisa
•
1 min read
Coming into the offseason, the defending World Series champion Cubs are a team without many glaring needs. They added Jon Jay as a center field option, and they could use pitching depth the same way every team could use pitching depth, and that's about it.
One key position they could look to upgrade is closer. Aroldis Chapman is a free agent, and while they still have erstwhile closer Hector Rondon on the roster, there's no such thing as too many good relievers. Not surprisingly, the Cubs are thinking big in the ninth inning at the Winter Meetings. They're targeting Royals stopper Wade Davis.
Sources: #Cubs among most serious of early suitors on #Royals' Wade Davis. Interest mentioned earlier by @jonmorosi.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 5, 2016
With closer FA market about to roar, one name is buzzing among executives: Wade Davis. He is available and may be likeliest Royal to move.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 5, 2016
The Royals are in a tough spot. Most of their core is set to hit free agency next offseason, so they can either go all-in and try to win in 2017 or trade players and begin a rebuild. Winning would be preferable, I'm sure. It always is.
It goes without saying Davis would be one of Kansas City's top trade chips. Even with some arm trouble in 2016, he still saved 27 games with a 1.87 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings. Davis is among the Royals players set to become a free agent next offseason, so he's a pure rental.
The logical question is this: Why trade prospects for Davis when you could simply sign Chapman or Kenley Jansen? The Cubs have money -- that's not an issue -- but chances are they don't want to commit long-term to a relief pitcher. (They'd have to forfeit their first-rounder to sign Jansen as well.) And if course, the Cubs are not the only team in on Davis.
All teams seeking closer -- LAD, NYY, nats, cubs, etc. -- have checked in on Wade Davis. Market waits for jansen/chapman
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2016
Prospects are a renewable source. Chicago could make a trade for Davis, hope to win with him in 2017, then make him the qualifying offer and recoup a draft pick next winter. At this point the team's priority should be the MLB roster, not the farm system. They have a ton of talent and the chance to win multiple World Series titles. Prioritizing the farm system over the big-league roster shouldn't (and won't) happen.
