The Chicago Cubs have been known to tinker with their roster right up to the start of spring training, whether it’s signing super utility player Emilio Bonifacio two years ago or unsuccessfully trying to sign pitcher James Shields.
But after signing marquee free agents Jason Heyward, John Lackey and Ben Zobrist by mid-December, it appears the Cubs are done – for now.
“Pretty slim,” President Theo Epstein said Friday night of the chances of making another significant move. “I think it’s more likely than not we’re done with any significant moves, and we feel great about how the offseason went.
“More important, it’s about the guys who are coming to camp with us and starting the grind to come together as a team and compete in the toughest division in baseball (National League Central) and try to earn our way back to the postseason.”
Epstein realizes there will be moves during the season to adjust to injuries and or performance.
“We’re fairly well positioned to see where the needs arise and have the ability to adjust midstream,” Epstein said. “We’re not smart enough to anticipate how things will go with our pitching staff, how our outfield will respond to some challenges. We’ll see how it evolves and do our best to adjust midstream if necessary.”
