MLB Power Rankings: Post Winter Meetings

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 11: Giancarlo Stanton is introduced as a member of the New York Yankees during the 2017 Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort on Monday, December 11, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: Tyler Chatwood #32 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning at AT&T Park on September 20, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

6. Chicago Cubs

Pitching was expected to be the primary focus for Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs this offseason, and it has certainly played out that way so far. Epstein has signed a starter to complete his rotation in Tyler Chatwood and has also added to stellar middle relievers in Brandon Morrow and Steve Cishek. With those three in the fold, the focus in recent days has turned to free agent Yu Darvish.

The Cubs entered the winter needing to add two starters, two middle relievers and a closer. Epstein struck quickly with the value plays at the Winter Meetings. At three years and $38 million, Chatwood is a huge bargain with tremendous upside. His curveball never functioned quite right at Coors Field when he pitched for the Colorado Rockies. On the road, it was a different story. Chatwood has always pitched like a potential number-two starter away from Denver.

A reunion with Jake Arrieta does not appear to be in the works for the Cubs, so targeting Darvish as his replacement makes sense. There are other moves that can be made, however, if Darvish’s demands are too rich. The Cubs could spin a trade for Chris Archer and Alex Colome if the Tampa Bay Rays are preparing for a firesale. They have the MLB-ready talent in place to tempt the Rays to part with their two big chips.

At this point, the Cubs have set the bar for themselves higher than almost any team in the league. That comes with the territory for Epstein, but he still has cash to work with, not to mention multiple young stars with overlapping positions. The offseason is still young for the Cubs.

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