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Winter Meetings Preview: Chicago Cubs still have needs after Lackey signing

By Jake Mastroianni

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The Chicago Cubs knocked one item off their checklist by signing John Lackey to a two-year deal worth $32 million. That may seem like a lot for a 37-year-old starting pitcher – and it is – but that’s what the market is these days. With Lackey the Cubs give themselves a solid number three starter behind Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta, and someone with postseason experience.

Lackey posted the best ERA of his career in 2015 with the St. Louis Cardinals at 2.77, but you would have to think that number would regress to his more typical high-three ERA. However, they got him for his experience, and with Lester and Lackey they now may have one of the most experienced postseason staffs in the league. Between the two they’ve made 39 postseason appearances for a combined ERA of 2.99.

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    • With that being said, the Cubs would probably still love to make another upgrade at starting pitcher to replace either Jason Hammel or Kyle Hendricks. The Cubs would love to get Mike Leake, but there are several other teams interested in his services that will likely take the price and longevity of the contract to a place where the Cubs aren’t comfortable signing him. They’ll more likely have to take a flyer on a guy like Justin Masterson and hope he has a comeback season, or add someone through a trade like Shelby Miller.

    The more pressing need for the Cubs is in center field. It’s becoming more evident that Dexter Fowler is looking for a contract that the Cubs aren’t willing to give him. The Cubs would love to get Jason Heyward, but he’s not a true center fielder and will likely cost more than they’re willing to pay.

    The Cubs could look to a short-term solution through free agency like Denard Span or Rajai Davis. They’re also looking internally at the possibility at moving Javier Baez to center field. If the Cubs see the right fit, they could also part with someone from their deep list of prospects to upgrade in center field.

    Teams are always looking to sure up their bullpen in the offseason, but that is something that can be addressed during the season. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cubs go after a bullpen arm during the Winter Meetings. They’ve already made a move to bring in Rex Brothers from the Colorado Rockies, and while there hasn’t been much talk of the Cubs resigning Trevor Cahill it wouldn’t be a surprise if they brought him back as he thrived out of the bullpen for the Cubs down the stretch in 2015.

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    Even after winning 97 games, Theo Epstein and his staff have plenty of work to do this offseason to help the Cubs take the next step towards winning a World Series. Lackey is the starting point to what should be an exciting offseason and Winter Meetings for the Cubs as they continue to look for upgrades at pitching and center field.

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