2023 Winter Meetings Thread
The 2023 MLB Winter Meetings have kicked off with the Chicago Cubs rumored to be involved in some of the offseason's most desired players. Jed Hoyer et al. have already made the managerial splash of the year, bidding David Ross adieu and welcoming former Brewer Craig Counsell on a big ol' contract, by manager standards.
The free agent moves of the 2012-2023 offseason generally panned out for the Cubs, with Dansby Swanson solidifying the infield defense and Cody Bellinger rebounding better than anyone could reasonably have expected. Even Jameson Taillon, whose first season as a Cub was clearly a disappointment, improved in the second half. All of this helped the Cubs to a winning record and a mid-season run at a Wild Card spot.
Now, the Cubs have clear needs on the roster as well as a division without a presumptive favorite. The Reds are ascendant with a ton of young talent, the Cardinals have been forced to completely rebuild their starting rotation, and the Brewers lost a top rotation arm and are rumored to trade another. Pittsburgh fans have April to look back upon fondly and will be eagerly awaiting the first full season of Oneil Cruz while likely still waiting for their opportunity to compete.
How aggressive will the Cubs be in their pursuit of the division? The next few weeks could tell fans a great deal. The Cubs have been connected to both top free agents who are likely to make their decisions early. Shohei Ohtani is gling to be the first big domino of the free agent market, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto's posting period will close on January 4. Pursuit of the likes of Bellinger, a third baseman, relievers, or potential trades for rotation support, will likely have to wait until these top free agents make their decisions.
Join us in the comments for commentary and reactions to the early portion of the hot stove. Personally, I'll be hoping for something big to discuss.
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