Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs were able to avoid arbitration hearings with all of their eligible players this season, reaching agreements with Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, and Javier Assad. Assad was the last to be reported, but both sides reached a deal before the day ended. Maddie Lee of the Sun-Times was first to report that Assad will earn $1.8 million in 2026, which is just $100,000 less than MLB Trade Rumors projected. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com also reported that Assad's deal includes a team option for the 2027 season.

Front Office Sports reported on Tuesday that the A's, who have had issues getting a ballpark going in their future home city, have been rebuffed in attempts to register "Las Vegas Athletics" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This is reportedly the second failed attempt to trademark the new name, something that initially bewildered experts. "The examiner is taking this very literally," trademark attorney Josh Gerben told FOS.

Bellinger spent two seasons with the Cubs after signing a prove-it deal in 2023. He posted a 4.4 fWAR that season, along with a 135 wRC+ and 97 RBIs. It appeared that he was back to his MVP form, or at least close to it. The Cubs brought him back the following season on an opt-out-heavy contract, as teams remained concerned about his injury history and the sustainability of his 2023 performance.

Someone must have smeared Gorilla Glue on all the seats in the Cubs' office building, because it appears all the execs have remained on their asses for the last several days. While I'm sure Jed Hoyer and his crew are indeed putting in work, they've got little to show for it beyond a handful of relievers and a returning expat bench bat.

The Astros signed Tatsuya Imai on Thursday, taking away one of the main options for the Cubs this winter. They now have to look elsewhere to enhance the starting rotation, but Jed Hoyer's offense will need an upgrade as well. Kyle Tucker 's departure has left a void in the lineup, and the Cubs have several different options to try and replace that production.

The Cubs have very few players under contract past 2026 and 2027, which means the next few winters could be quite busy. Just a few years ago, the team had one of the best farm systems in baseball. Those players are now reaching the major leagues, which could prove to be pivotal as Jed Hoyer looks to construct the next great Cubs team.

As first reported by Jon Heyman, the Cubs have signed catcher Christian Bethancourt to a minor league deal that will pay him $1.6 million if he makes the team. The 34-year-old's last big league action came with the Cubs in 2024, when he slashed .281/.305/.509 with a 125 wRC+ over 59 plate appearances over the last two months of the season.

Munetaka Murakami hit 36 homers as a 19-year-old in 2019, then set the NPB single-season record with 56 dingers three years later. Contract projections ranged as high as $180 million over eight years, and even the most conservative estimate had him earning $80 million for five years. But as concerns over his defense and whiff rate overcame the desire for what at least one exec believes is 90-grade power - which is to say Kyle Schwarber levels - Murakami's market cratered.

The Orioles are trading for starting pitcher Shane Baz, according to multiple reports. Trade news: The Baltimore Orioles are acquiring right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Slater de Brun, catcher Caden Bodine, right-hander Michael Forret, outfielder Austin Overn as well as a Competitive Balance Round A pick, sources tell ESPN. - Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 19, 2025

As first reported by ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Cubs have re-signed lefty reliever Caleb Thielbar. The southpaw pitched well over 58 innings across 67 appearances, posting a 2.64 ERA and striking out four times as many batters as he walked. Thielbar also did a very good job of keeping the ball in the park, surrendering only five home runs all season.

After rebuffing an interview attempt from the Nationals, the Cubs have promoted Tyler Zombro to vice president of pitching, reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. After just one year in the front office, Zombro will now take on an expanded role in scouting, coaching, and player development. Zombro joined the organization last season as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. He'd previously worked with Tread Athletics, a well-regarded training facility.

Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported in his article this afternoon that the Chicago Cubs are a team that "could make a deal soon." Every report from Orlando has indicated that the Cubs are indeed very active on the trade market, but those things can still take time to develop. Sadadev Sharma mentioned MacKenzie Gore and Edward Cabrera as two names that may be of interest as Jed Hoyer looks to bolster his starting staff.

A third Chicago Cubs player has committed to play in the World Baseball Classic, though this time it's not for Team USA. Owen Caissie will represent Team Canada in the 2026 WBC, marking his second time on their roster. He recorded three hits across Canada's three games, including a home run. He also drew a walk and struck out twice.

The Winter Meetings have generally been slower over the last half-decade or so than what a lot of us were used to, largely due to the pandemic and the increasing ubiquity of virtual communication. It used to be that you pretty much had to be in the same room as someone to get a deal done, but that's obviously no longer the case.

This week should be busy for the Cubs, who will look to strengthen their roster in hopes of returning to the postseason and dethroning the division-champion Brewers. Hoyer has been very open about the fact that pitching will be the focus. Whether through a trade or free agent signing, the Cubs will hope to leave the Sunshine State with a bolstered starting rotation.