The Cubs are “pretty hot” on John Lackey, reports Yahoo’s Tim Brown (Twitter link), who hears that the two sides are discussing both two- and three-year contract possibilities. If the two sides do come to an agreement, it’ll mark the second time that Theo Epstein has signed Lackey as a free agent, as Epstein was Boston’s GM when Lackey signed his five-year, $82.5MM contract with the Red Sox.
Lackey, 37, would give Chicago a strong No. 3 option in the rotation behind Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester. While Chicago has been said to be interested in a reunion with Jeff Samardzija, ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported earlier today that the price tag on Samardzija may be rising beyond the Cubs’ comfort level. Meanwhile, FOX’s Ken Rosenthal said that the Cubs were becoming increasingly interested in Lackey as the prices of starters who will require longer-term commitments continued to rise.
Lackey has also reportedly drawn at least some interest from the Giants, Cardinals, Dodgers, Rangers, Diamondbacks and Marlins this offseason. He rejected a qualifying offer from the Cardinals after posting a 2.77 ERA, 7.2 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in a terrific 2015 season in St. Louis.
And Mozeliak is just sitting there watching this happen.
As much sense as bringing Lackey back makes, I don’t think Mo is interested…. He would rather get the draft pick and go some other direction.
it makes sense IF…the price is right.
Apparently they made a run at Price. I can’t help but think they’ll swoop in for Cueto.
The Giants and Cubs are interested in all the same plan B pitchers as STL. DeWitt is too cheap to (God forbid) overpay a pitcher 10 million or so to steal the FA before the winter meetings.
If the Cubs are going to give Lackey an absurd contract–Mo is doing the right thing! The Cards wanted to re-sign Albert but the Angels gave Pujols a ridiculous deal and the Cards continue to win while the Halos have been to the playoffs once in four years and that one time vs KC, Albert was awful. Plus, he’s averaging about 50 points under what he averaged for STL. It’s not EZ to let someone good go but there’s a point at which you have to let common sense rule.
Yes Pujols would have been a disaster. But when two other teams with higher payrolls are competing with you, and plan A pitchers are off the table already, with winter meetings coming up (where a bidding war could ensue), it’s time to panic a little. The trio of Cooney/Lyons/Gonzales isn’t going to cut it.
Yep. Fans seem to forget that the 2015 Cards won 100 games with a plethora of injuries. If Heyward and Lackey become ridiculously expensive, let them go. The draft picks are valuable. Currently the Red Birds will have 4 first round picks. That is awesome.
Yeah the Cards will need to pick up another starter, but the outfield is solid without Heyward. I say sign Beurhle, Lee, et al. And perhaps, a right-handed first baseman, even if it is Reynolds. Add a left-handed reliever and make reasonable offers to high priced FAs. If they accept great, if not, go with what they’ve got.
Not really surprising considering they traded for Lackey just to dump Craig’s contract. Lackey’s odd contract situation was just a bonus.
Lackey has not shown any signs of ages. Depending on the money, this could be a good deal for Chicago. Lackey gives them that strong 3rd starter after Arrietta and Lester
Yeah, I would be happy with it. It also leaves money open to potentially address center field and maybe a bullpen addition or two.
And the Cards will be happy to take the Cubs’ first round pick.
3 year contract going into his age 37 season? I guess when you consider his arm ligament is only 4 it changes things. But that still seems like a year too long.
Fine with this idea as long as its no more than 2 yrs plus team option.
And don’t really mind giving up the pick since all the prospects are either w the big club or very close.
You go Theo!
Unless the Cubs sign another player that rejected the QO, they won’t lose a pick due to Fowler’s QO.
You mean they won’t not have a (first round) pick. They will indeed lose a pick; they will have one rather than the two they’d have had had they not acted in such a way as to lose one.
I know its early in the offseason, but it’s pretty funny to watch the Cubs bumble the best position the franchise has been in in the last 100 years.
Strong core of young position players that play mostly the same positions. Defense and lack of high end pitching came back to bite them come playoff time, as not having those things always will come playoff time.
Need to improve both areas obvious. However, does not seem willing to trade from mismatched position players to solve either problem. Are not willing to use free agency to address needs either, only wiling to offer money to aging former stars who will break down come crunch time.
The Cubs are the best. Can’t wait to watch them get swept again.
…What? Lack of high end pitching? Their ace just won the NL Cy Young and their #2 would be a #1 on many teams. The defense woes came mostly from the OF, which could be remedied by either signing Heyward or letting Fowler go and replacing him with a guy like Span.
You’re way too low on Lackey, he’d make a solid #3 with #2 upside on any team.
“However, does not seem willing to trade from mismatched position players to solve either problem.”
The winter meetings haven’t even started yet…
I can still see the Cubs trading some position players for a young controllable high end pitcher.
Not sure if we watched the same playoffs. Pitching wasn’t the issue as much as their young hitters getting dominated by the Met’s pitching. No reason to break the bank, and certainly wasn’t interested in the Price or Greinke neighborhood. Look at the Royals or even the Giants. Both teams have won recent WS, and the Cubs pitching, with even a guy like Lackey, is just as good as the past winners. Their biggest issue on D was Schwarber, but IMO, he makes up for it with the bat. These kids are young, and most will get better. Heck the Winter meetings have just started, so not sure how you can say the’re bumbling because some teams are grossly overpaying pitchers.
A bunch of young kids that need to learn to hit pitches other than fastballs got us to 97 wins and our first playoff series victory since 03…mets pitching beat us, overreacting in December is how you “bumble” an offseason
Playoffs are outlier, the Cubs beat the Mets 7-0 in the season, and I know they added other players after that.
Aren’t Lackey and Lester friends from their Boston days? Plus with Epstein as GM, I wouldn’t be surprised if this does happen.
founding members of the fried chicken and beer club in Boston.
I want to see this happen as a Red Sox fan. As long as it’s not over the Red Sox, I’d love to see Lester and Lackey tack on some more rings together.
and World Series Cahamps!
that would be a nice vet to add to the rotation that has lester and other young arms. cubs could use some vets to go along with the young guys
The fact that without Waino last year the Cards went to Lackey twice in a 5 game series should be enough evidence as to why they need him back. I get that Mo doesn’t want to over pay for anyone, but man I sure would rather see him as a Cardinal than a Cub.
Cardinals out to loose a tough competitor and pitcher when he is a proven choice and winner. Guess Mo will wait till everyone decent is gone
And be happy come draft day.
For the years, it will be a mistake to sign him.
Two years, yes. Three? No, thanks.
2 years. give me Lackey over Pelfrey.
According to Rosenthal,
Cubs signed him for 2 years
MLB NETwork now reporting 2 years with the Cubs at $32MM-$34MM
Lackey is perfect for the Cubs, he is hard nosed, playoff tested, and is friends with Lester. Just hope he doesn’t run out of gas.