The Cubs, adding more depth to the bullpen and possibly a new closer, completed a deal Wednesday to acquire Wade Davis from the Royals for outfielder Jorge Soler.
Soler seemed to be the odd man out in the Cubs outfield with the return of Kyle Schwarber. In three seasons, Soler has batted .258 with 27 home runs and 98 RBIs. A right-handed hitter, he is entering the sixth year of a nine-year, $30 million contract. Leg injuries have limited Soler, who played 101 games in 2015, hitting .262.
This season, Davis was on the disabled list twice because of a right forearm strain and a right flexor strain. When he came off the DL in September, he finished with a 3.12 ERA in nine games, going six for seven in save opportunities. The Cubs would need to have Davis examined by their medical staff before any deal is finalized.
The Cubs acquired Aroldis Chapman last July to help them get to the postseason and the lefty was a key part of the team's playoff run. Chapman is reportedly seeking a six-year deal, which doesn't fit in the Cubs' budget.
The Cubs have in-house options to close, and Maddon said Tuesday that Hector Rondoncould return to that role next season. Rondon was 18-for-23 in save situations this past season, and posted a 1.72 ERA in the first half. He was bothered by a strained right triceps in the second half, and had a 6.41 ERA in 22 games. The Cubs acquired Chapman in late July to take over the role.
"I think it's safe to say we're kicking the tires on any pitching that's available," general manager Jed Hoyer said Monday.
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