Tom Ricketts gets 100% real on the Cubs’ remaining free agency prospects
The Chicago Cubs made some moves this offseason, most notably trading Cody Bellinger in the New York Yankees and also by acquiring shortstop Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros.
With just a few weeks until spring training, will the Cubbies make any more moves? President Tom Ricketts spoke on the subject during a recent interview with The Athletic at the Cubs convention on Friday, leaving the door open to potential additions before Cactus League action begins.
“Every team probably sits back and says, ‘Oh, if we just keep some dry powder, there’s going to be a guy who plays their hand and signs late,'” Ricketts said. “We could always do those things too.” But you don’t control the time these guys sign. And every offseason is different. Nothing will happen for three weeks. And then a guy will sign. And then three more guys want to sign in the next two days.
“You just have to be flexible through the process and keep your eye open at the end with some dry powder, in case there’s someone out there that might add value and have a good price.”
Related Chicago Cubs NewsThe article continues below
There are still a few quality free agents out there. Alec Bregman is one, but Chicago recently said they will be looking internally for their third players, potentially closing the door on Bregman’s buzz. However, the Cubs are seen as one of the favorites for prized reliever Tanner Scott, who is expected to sign this weekend. He had an impressive 1.75 ERA last season with the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins.
Jed Hoyer also talked about the team’s disappointment with Rocky Sasaki signing with the LA Dodgers after Chicago went to absolute lengths to convince the Japanese ace to choose the Cubs. However, he was proud of the club’s pursuit of Sasaki, who was seen as the FA’s best available starter.
All in all, it was a respectable offseason for the Cubs. But adding another bat and/or arm wouldn’t be too bad either.
Quinn Allen is a senior contributing editor with ClutchPoints. He specializes mainly in football, basketball and baseball. When Quinn is not producing content for CP, he writes sports betting predictions for numerous sites across North America.
2025-01-18 19:45:00
