Winter Meetings

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 2018 MLB Winter Meetings commemce on Monday (12/11) in Orlando, FL, and extend through Thursday morning (the Rule 5 Draft will be the last order of  business). 

While the meetings don't begin officially until Monday, most of the attendees will be arriving on Sunday.

The 2016 MLB Rule 5 Draft will be the last order of "official" business at the Winter Meetings Thursday morning.

SELECTED BY CUBS IN MAJOR LEAGUE PHASE:
NONE
NOTE: The Cubs acquired LHP Caleb Smith from the Milwaukee Brewers for a Player to Be Named Later (or cash) after the conclusion of the draft. Smith was selected by the Brewers from the New York Yankees AAA Scranton affiliate in the Major League Phase (so the Cubs assume the Rule 5 obligations that go with selecting a player in the Major League Phase). Smith must be added to the Cubs MLB Reserve List (40-man roster) immediately (and tendered a major league contract by 5 PM Eastern), so the Cubs now have 36 players on their MLB 40-man roster (four slots are open).

CUBS MINOR LEAGUERS SELECTED IN MAJOR LEAGUE PHASE:
Armando Rivero, RHP (by Atlanta Braves from Cubs AAA Iowa affiliate)

CUBS MINOR LEAGUERS SELECTED IN AAA PHASE: :
Danny Lockhart, INF (by Arizona Diamondbacks AAA Reno affiliate from Cubs AA Tennessee affiliate)

PLAYERS SELECTED BY CUBS IN AAA PHASE:
Kevin Cornelius, INF (by Cubs AAA Iowa affiliate from New York Yankees AA Trenton affiliate)

UPDATE: Soler for Davis is done.

The Cubs appear to be close to acquiring Wade Davis from the Royals for a deal that would include Jorge Soler. In 207.2 IPs over the last three seasons (including the postseason), here’s what Davis has done: 1.08 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 118 Hits, 272 K, 64 BB, and 3 HR. Not too shabby. Late interest from Nats probably added more to the deal since the early word from the Cubs was that they wanted more in return.

The Cubs were quiet after the first day in Maryland. The loudest chatter involves them trading Soler to KC for Wade Davis. KC, along with the Rangers and many other AL clubs, are said to like Soler, although Baez seems to be the player most inquired about. The Cubs are also linked to Jansen and the rehabbing Tyson Ross, who is going to get an incentive-laded contract from someone.

It's time for the Winter Meetings!--in National Harbor, Maryland (for some reason).

Update 3: The contract has two separate opt-out clauses. The first comes after three years.

Update 2: Rosenthal has it at 8/$184m.

Update: According to ESPN, the Cubs have signed Jason Heyward.

The Winter Meetings come to a close, after a relatively quiet day.

The latest word on Heyward is that the Nats have emerged as a serious bidder to rival the Cards and Cubs. The contract could pass the $200m mark, and it sounds like a decision could come at any minute.

12/10 UPDATE:

SELECTED BY CUBS IN MAJOR LEAGUE PHASE OF 2015 RULE 5 DRAFT
NONE

Maddon finally gets his Zobrist, Castro is a Yankee, and Dusty Baker reminds everyone why he should never be allowed near a microphone.

In other news, the Cards traded Jay for the soon-to-be All-star Gyrko, and AZ meets Altanta's asking price for Miller.

Supposedly, the Cubs are not done, so let's get at it!

Update 2: In a related move, Castro heads to the Yankees for RHP Adam Warren and IF Brendan Ryan.

Update 1: Zobrist signs with the Cubs for 4/$56m.

Cahill is back and Baez is rumored to be on the block.

Meanwhile, the Reds have a bridge over the Ohio River they'd like to sell you.