The Royals have traded closer Wade Davis to the Cubs in exchange for young outfielder Jorge Soler, tweets Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com. Reports of these talks first surfaced last night, with Yahoo’s Jeff Passan, ESPN’s Jayson Stark, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and FOX’s Ken Rosenthal all shedding light on the situation.
[Related: Updated Kansas City Royals Depth Chart and Chicago Cubs Depth Chart]
Davis, 31, originally came to the Royals from the Rays in the 2012 James Shields/Wil Myers/Jake Odorizzi blockbuster. After struggling as a starter with both Tampa Bay and Kansas City, Davis moved to the bullpen and almost instantly broke out as one baseball’s most dominant relief weapons. Over the past three seasons, Davis has pitched to a comically low 1.18 ERA in 182 2/3 innings while averaging 11.5 K/9 against 2.5 BB/9. He’s also been utterly dominant in 25 postseason innings, yielding just one earned run and posting a 38-to-5 K/BB ratio.
Davis isn’t without his red flags, though. He hit the disabled list twice this past season due to forearm and flexor strains and saw his average fastball dip from 95.7 mph to 94.9 mph. He also posted his lowest strikeout rate and highest walk rate since moving to the bullpen. But, Davis did come back strong from his final DL stint, pitching 9 2/3 innings in September and allowing three runs while posting a 15-to-1 K/BB ratio. Furthermore, ESPNs Jerry Crasnick tweeted this morning that the Cubs were being very thorough with Davis’ medical records in order to ascertain that they were willing to take him on. Davis is earning $10MM next year and will become a free agent next winter, so this is a one-year pickup for the Cubs, barring some form of extension.
The Cubs at one point seemed like a strong match for one of the market’s top free agent closers, but GM Jed Hoyer downplayed that notion early in the offseason, and there’s been little to no evidence that the Cubs pursued any of Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen or Mark Melancon before making today’s trade. The swap reunites Davis with former Rays manager Joe Maddon and likely pushes Hector Rondon from the ninth inning back down to a setup role.
In Soler, Chicago is trading away a player with four years of team control remaining. While normally selling that type of control for a one-year asset would be difficult, the Cubs possess significant outfield depth and would’ve struggled to find Soler any form of regular role, as their roster already includes Ben Zobrist, Albert Almora, Kyle Schwarber, Jason Heyward, Jon Jay and Matt Szczur.
In Kansas City, however, Soler may very well slot into an everyday role in right field. The Royals currently have a Jarrod Dyson/Paulo Orlando platoon in right field, but Dyson is a free agent next winter and is has reportedly been discussed with other clubs seeking outfield help. Dyson and Davis are just two of many players that helped to comprise a Kansas City core that is now slated to hit free agency together next winter. In addition to that pair, the Royals have Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar all slated to hit the open market next year, so the acquisition of Soler could be one of many moves made with an eye toward acquiring more controllable talent.
The 2017 campaign will mark the fourth season in which Soler has seen time in the Majors, but he’s still just 24 years of age. An extremely high-profile international prospect, Soler signed a nine-year, $30MM contract with the Cubs out of Cuba prior to the 2012 season when he was just 20 years old. Soler’s powerful right-handed swing, offensive upside and plus arm made him a mainstay on Top 100 prospect lists throughout the industry. He looked every bit like the future star he was billed to be when the Cubs promoted him late in the 2014 season, as he went on to hit .292/.330/.573 with five homers in 97 plate appearances across 24 games.
Soler, though, has batted a more pedestrian .253/.328/.413 in 187 games/668 plate appearances since that brilliant debut, and he’s battled injuries as well. Soler has landed on the disabled list three times in the past two years due to a hamstring strain, an oblique strain and an ankle sprain. While none of those injuries is necessarily concerning in isolation, durability has long been a concern for Soler. He’d never played more than 62 games in a minor league season before his 2014 promotion to the Majors, and his hamstring issues date back to his minor league days.
Nonetheless, Soler gives the Royals some much-needed controllable talent and is still young enough to become a fixture in the middle of their lineup for the foreseeable future if he’s able to conquer his injury woes and tap into his potential.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Yess
Anyone think the Royals should have tried to squeeze one more prospect out of this?
Yes.
I think the Cubs should of gotten more. But then it would have cost them more?? Does that make sense?
One year of Davis is not enough. But if you add a Duffy you’d have to add a couple of good prospects in there.
Umm, you don’t think they tried?
They had to get more than this for Davis.
He’s coming off a historical 3 year run as a reliever (ERA ) and will get a QO after this year (assuming he does well and tops $50 mil). Dude is worth way more than Soler
No he’s not. At all. He’s coming off an injury plagued season and is making $10 million this year. He has little to no surplus value; royals won this trade easily
You are simply overvaluing 1 year of a closer that had 2 Arm DL stints last season, and undervaluing Soler’s potential.
Gotta think, he either goes to FA, and they get a pick, or they roll the dice on Soler, who has 4 very reasonable years remaining on his contract.
If there were other bidders, this must have been the best they could get.
The Pick system is pretty much gone next year though
Its one year of a 10 million dollar relief pitcher for several years of an every day position player on the cheap . If the Cubs weren’t loaded with out field depth , I doubt they would have made the deal .
Suggesting that either of the two front offices responsible for the assembly of the clubs that won the last two Word series titles are foolish is a real head scratcher .
Not at all. Royals won this trade
I like the trade for both teams. Soler may be a stud! Considering Chapman gone, Davis a great pickup for Madden and company,(even if for only one year).
If Davis had more than 1 year left before being eligible for FA or if he didn’t go to DL twice last year, the Royals surely could have gotten more than Soler.
they could have gotten more bc of this market. it is either lose a draft pick and spend 100mil or make this trade
This. But those are very big if’s. Personally, I’d have rather packaged Soler for a young SP, but we didn’t.
Good point
More like the Cubs should have gotten more. Soler is controllable for 4 years I believe. 1 year of an oft injured closer??? Poor trade for Cubs
You see oft-injured, I see dominant the last 3 years. I have more of a problem that he only has 1 year left, vs injury issues. Soler has had his injury issues too.
He was significantly less dominant last year because of 2 arm issues. There is high risk taken by the Cubs here.
Davis had a higherWAR in 2016 than Soler has had in 2014-2016.
Dice numbers as you wish.
Both teams got what they wanted.
“Royals have traded closer Wade Davis to the royals” LOL
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
HAAAAAAAAAAA
KC asks the Mets for Amed Rosario, but does a straight up swap for Soler? Got some idiots running the show over there.
Well there’s a reason for everything. These idiots beat your Mets in the WS last year.
I do think it’s a one sided trade heavily in the Cubs favor right now. An injured Davis last year still put up a 1.3 fWAR. Soler’s Career fWAR is 1.5. Granted he is still very young and I’m sure he will get better , but it’s still a great trade for the Cubs.
A hurt reliever making $10 mil dollars for a cheap outfielder with solid potential? Royals won this trade hands down. Davis is so overrated. Numbers seriously trending in the wrong direction
LMAO at Davis bring overrated. I hope this is a joke. If anyone is overrated, it’s Soler.
Check the stats man. K% WAY down, BB% up, velocity down, coming off multiple injuries making $10 million….
And check Soler’s stats. They aren’t pretty either.
I’m not even that big on soler. He’s a terrible defensive outfielder. But he has 4 years of cheap control and a decent amount of upside in the bat. I’ll take that over an injured reliever with declining peripherals 7 days a week and twice on Sunday’s
If Davis is injured right now, the Cubs wouldn’t have gotten him. If Davis had a bad year by your standards, then it must be very embarrassing that his WAR last year (1.3) is very similar to Soler’s career WAR of 1.5 in over 200 games
Davis’ WAR last year was heavily influenced by his unsustainable 0% HR rate. Soler hasn’t gotten consistent playing time so not as concerned with his career WAR. It’s all about potential with him. And even if he’s “healthy” now, what’s to stop those elbow issues from coming back once the season starts?
Yeah, I can see by his stats over the 3 years, vs the very small sample size you’re referencing, to know that you’re wrong. Davis has been doing it for 3 years. That’s a pretty good sample size.
Let’s see how enthusiastic you are about this deal with Soler, when he’s on the shelf multiple times due to strains and pulls.
There is such thing as a win/win trade. Future for right now.
I never said his elbow issues won’t come back. But we don’t know that. Nobody does. Point is, Davis when healthy (which he is now) is one of the game’s best and is not even close to overrated. Soler has a lot to prove. Can he do it next season? Absolutely. But can he continue to struggle which he’s done thusfar in the bigs? Absolutely.
You must have forgot to actually look at the stats. K% has dropped from 39% to 27% in just two years and BB% has gone from 8% to 9% and velo has dropped by 1 mph on all of his pitches
2014: 1.93 xFIP. 2016: 3.68 xFIP
Soler hasn’t gotten consistent playing time because he’s consistently injured for long stretches of time.
Its not even cheap control, if he has a break out season in ’17 Soler can opt into Arb with a salary base of 3.6. That could escalate quickly. And if continues his poor performance its an over pay as the after ’17 its 4.6 million a year, til his final year of control which would be arbriation and based off that salary. Soler is protected financially. And nothing about him screams cheap.
Soler is 25 and can’t stay healthy. He’s only posted 300+ABs ONCE in his career (MLB & minors)
He’s a bad OF (great arm, but buffalo on skates with no 1st step) and his work ethic is ?
Soler had his audition with the Cubs last year. After Schwarber had gone down, it was time for Soler to step up and be a force in the lineup. What did he do? He hit the DL for the 6th time in 3 years. Including three hamstring injuries. So, I’ll take Davis and his 3.68 xFIP, $10mil contract and the decline in velocity. Put him behind the Cubs defense, Let Bosio get ahold of him ( See: Arrieta/Hendricks) and see what happens. Heck, he may enjoy our fanbase and culture so much that he signs an extension by August. Bravo TheoJed. Bravo.
P.S. that gives us three potential arms that can throw up 11.00 K/9 + outta the bullpen.
I don’t think you understand that arbitration eligible players don’t make nearly as much as they would on the open market. If Soler breaks out he will be controllable for 3 VERY CHEAP years and then the last arb year would be somewhat close to market value.
Soler has enough career time to know he sucks. Wade Davis, even on the chance he is injured, is still worth more than a career of Soler. His velocity went down from 95.7 to 94.3 ? Oh baby it is the end.
The hell does beating them in the World Series have to do with asking for their top propspect? You logic makes no sense whatsoever.
Trolls, friend.
How does my logic make no sense? He’s a Mets fan (in all likelihood) calling the front office of a team that’s been in 2 of the past 3 WS “idiots running the show”. And in case you forget, the “idiots running the show” beat his team in the WS last year. Put 2 and 2 together and then you will see my logic and how it makes sense
2015 WS
Yeah because all you prospect hound geniuses posting your dumb overrating of guys who have never set foot in MLB really is the reality of every GM…except not. No GM cares about players with no MLB experience. Just you fools. Stop being dumb and stop acting like prospects are better players than guys in MLB, its so wrong, dumb and not based in reality.
If I offered you 10 million dollars or 100 million dollars worth of lottery tickets, you’d pick the tickets – lol at your life.
feel better now?
This has to be one of the dumber statements ever made on here and that says a lot. Ya no gm cares about players with no MLB experience. Prospects don’t mean a thing, ha ya okay.
>>>>”Yeah because all you prospect hound geniuses posting your dumb overrating of guys who have never set foot in MLB ….”
Soler has more than 200 games and 750 PAs in the majors.
I bet you have that post saved somewhere so you can simply copy and paste it, right?
Can there be at least one site that people can post ideas without the usual “look at me” troll comments. This site is for fans and for fun. Why are you here if the very thing people like to do annoys you so much??
Don’t worry, just another fan constantly spams and posts negative comments. He thinks he’s way smarter than everyone but always comes out looking like an ass
I hope Davis isn’t hurt. That flexor strain in the summer had me a bit worried.
The Cubs obviously thought that Davis was healthy enough to sign on this deal. They just need to use him very carefully (e.g. No multi inning saves, don’t let him pitch for 3 straight games, etc).
I believe the hold up was about his medicals (Cubs inspecting them thoroughly) so I imagine everything is good to go or at least good enough to go.
I know the Nationals were mentioned as a holdup, but I agree, I think it was the medicals. I wonder if this means Rondon slides back into the setup man role.
I’m sure he does.
Royals should have asked for more. Did not get what he’s worth in Soler
Who else would they have even gotten?
This is so strange to me. What do people think 1 year of a closer that had two DL stints due to arm issues SHOULD have fetched?? They got a young, high ceiling, power hitting corner OF with 4 years of cheap team control.
Sounds fair to me. And people – can we quit with the Win/loss thing on trades? It’s perfectly fine for both teams to fill a need and both ‘win’ the trade.
Because 3 prospects > 1 MLB player, to the dumbasses who post here. Its infuriating how people act like every prospect is already a HOFer.
Come on man, its clear Yoan will be unanimous first ballot, odds are they’ll change the rules so they can enshrine him now prior to to starting his career.
Man, you’re just not very bright are you?
You’re right. The Sox probably should’ve traded Sale straight up for Soler instead of the package they got. At least he has played in the MLB.
Exactly
I’m glad the Cubs didn’t add more to the deal. and believe most are undervaluing Soler. He didn’t get enough reps due to injury and a crowded outfield. If he plays a full year, I’d like to see what he’d produce.
Win/win, that’s generally what GMs what and try to do. But always has to be a winner/loser with folks on here. Davis is on the end of his contract, and isn’t gonna fetch what a guy like Sale will, but everyone overvalues their team’s guys.
I’m not big on Soler but I don’t think the value is that far off. I agree that the Royals probably could’ve gotten one more prospect back (no one really highly regarded, maybe a young lottery ticket or an older prospect who hasn’t panned out). In terms of pure value right now, I think the trade leans slightly in the Cubs favor, but Soler has the obvious high upside which is obviously the big point, although he comes with the caveat that he doesn’t have as much control as other “prospects” might. If anything, that might be the issue everyone has here with the value. Since Soler’s service clock has already started and has 4 years of control remaining, his value might be perceived as being slightly less than a prospect who’s service clock has not started.
Soler is not even a starting OFer for a competitve team and Wade Davis is the greatest reliever we have seen since Rivera.. or maybe better.
If Davis is healthy, he’s dominant
I knew the Cubs wouldn’t give in and pay Chapman what he was asking for. I think the Yankees will end up with Chapman and as a Dodgers fan I am worried that the Marlins will end up with Jansen.
Happy for Soler. I Wish him the best.
Royals what you doing?
KC got boned on this deal.
stinking Cubs. they gave up less for a full year of Wade than they did 2 months of Aroldis…but what a 2 months plus it was.
For 100+ years of waiting, that overpay for Chapman was worth it. Even though he wasn’t at his best during WS.
Time for all the basement GM’s to tell us hiw the Royals got ripped off and should have gotten more. A bunch if mouth breathers on this site that think they are smarter then MLB GM’s. LMAO!!!
Bad deal for the Royals. Soler isn’t that good and the Royals could have gotten much more in prospect quality from other teams. A puzzling move
The problem with that thought is they still want to contend while building up a future. could they get more quantity? Probably, but even if he offers what he gave the Cubs last year he offered good power in limited action with pretty good obp. He’s also only 24 so could be better.
He’s selling Davis on a one-year deal. If he was locked up for multiple years, he probably couldn’t have gotten more. Soler, if he’s healthy, is a 30 hr hitter. Soler hasn’t had a chance to really prove what he can do due to minor injuries, and the Cub’s depth. If he’s healthy, it’s a fair deal both ways IMO.
Soler is NEVER a 30HR hitter, even in the bandbox of Wrigley
wade davis im sure KC knows is not going to be the same so get a guy with potential that needs to play everyday. dayton moore isnt a moron.
5 years of Soler for one year of Davis, right?
4 years. The one year is guaranteed. He can always re-sign with the cubs. He has played for maddon. Like Zobrist. He wants to win. I can see at least a 2 year extension worked out
Oh. Like how everyone thought a 2 year extension could be worked out with Chapman? Not happening. Davis will be a free agent next offseason.
Who thought a 2 year extension could be worked out with Chapman? Seriously, did anyone expect Chapman to be re-signed to the Cubs, because everyone I’ve heard and spoken to who are Cubs fans, not one of those people thought we would re-sign Chapman?
Davis is a lot different of a person than Chapman and it’s a different situation. An extension could definitely be worked out in this situation, not saying it for sure will happen but, a lot more likely than re-signing one of the fastest throwing closers of all time.
If you look at the “Chapman to the Cubs” threads from a few months ago you’ll see that a lot of people actually thought Chapman would take an extension. And no, this is not a different situation. Davis WILL be a free agent next offseason. There is no reason from his perspective for him to do anything else.
4 years. Still a good deal for KC
I’m amazed Davis brought in so little. Gives cashman more credit for what he got for chapman.
Players are more valuable at the deadline to teams that need that final push to build a Championship team.
Plus chapman wasn’t coming off a season with multiple arm injuries…
And imagine this…Cashman got all from the Cubs for Chapman and he will most likely end up signing Chapman this offseason and bringing him back to the Yankees lol. That’s a good deal for the Yankees especially if they end up signing Chapman like I think they will.
Yes, but at what price? The Cubs got what they wanted, a championship. He wont be the same after 3 years of his contract. Good luck. lol
This is a good trade. Soler will excel with a change of scenery. Sucks he’s gone. But the cubs didn’t waste a ton of money on Jansen or trade prospects. Soler is gonna hit bombs at Kauffman Stadium. At least 8 will splash in the water falls
If he gets everyday playing time Soler will make KC forget all about Davis.
Surprised Theo traded him for a damaged arm.
Soler was blocked and while he is a 5-tool player, he definitely has some holes in his game and needs to be more consistent. 1yr of WD is WAAAAY less than what Miller offered, so trying to get 2-3 solid prospects wasn’t really realistic. I think Soler is a solid get for KC. No way they were getting Rosario.
Is getting hurt a tool? If so, then I guess you could call him a 4-tool prospect. Still trying to figure out what the 5th is. Maybe wearing the most layers in cold weather? That could be the 5th…? Otherwise, I have no idea because he’s not fast, and he’s a bad outfielder outside of his arm…
5 tool? He’s poor defensively.
No, Solar’s just a tool.
Great trade for the Flubs if Davis stays healthy. Soler blows. He reminds me of a taller more glorified Dayan Viciedo.
Why are there so many ignoramuses who think Soler is some fizzled-out stuck in AA prospect? The logic here would indicate a fair return for Soler is a bag of balls.
Theo Epstein just bamboozled the Royals. Soler is far from a sure thing and i think even 1 years of Wade Davis is worth at least 1 or 2 more mid-tier prospects
Royals need someone cheap to play RF for now and for the foreseeable future. They’re trying to rebuild and win now. It’s not easy to do. Wade still hasn’t closed for a full season in his career, its not like he’s Chapman.
I feel like the Royals could of asked for Soler and Lastella as well but Soler is still a solid player.
Great trade for the Cubs
While I never believed the Cubs were going to necessarily give Chapman what he wants, this doesn’t remove their ability to do so. They could do both
Royals were 12-3 with Herrera as closer in case anyone cares
I think the Cubs will grow to regret this deal.
I like the deal for both sides. Davis’ injury history might have kept the return from going higher, and Soler is a talented lottery pick. Even if Soler doesn’t reach the potential some think he has, he is still likely to turn into a solid everyday player. It wasn’t that long ago that people might have thought that 4 years of a regular position player for a closer on a one year deal was pretty good.
Soler has his own injury history, as well.
You are not allowed to like it for both sides. One side is very clearly Required to be a bunch of idiots because they don’t know nearly as much about these players as we do.
oct27, so there’s no such thing as a win-win trade to you?
Of course there are. But you rarely know until years down the road. None of us have the slightest idea who actually wins this trade for at least a year – and probably not until Soler’s KC career is over.
Almost always – at the inception – all trades have the chance to work out favorably for either team.
Agreed. There doesn’t always have to be a winner and loser in a deal. This is pretty fair. Future promise, for a guy on a one-year deal to maximize now. Soler is getting moved due to numbers. They know the more he doesn’t play, the less his value. Davis is also probably going to want a multi-year deal in his next contract, and the Royals have a guy who’s going to take that spot. Do they risk it and trade him at the deadline, or are they worried there won’t be the market, or he gets hurt? Waiting for someone to sign him and recoup a pick isn’t necessarily the best move either. If healthy, I believe Soler’s a 30 hr a year guy. He just needs time and some looser hamstrings.
How does Giles get the phillies 4 protests and wade davis only gets one ? Is Davis hurt?
Davis is hurt, has decking peripherals and one year of not cheap control. Giles had 5 years of cheap control. Big difference
Declining*
THey get Giles for 5 years, cubs get Davis for one. And he was dinged up this year.
The cubs just made a great deal on my opinion.
Prospects**** ugh
I like this move for both teams. Soler wasn’t going to play much and is hurt a lot. Davis, when healthy, is dominating.
BREAKING: Wade Davis won’t take a physical. This isn’t good at all. If we just got robbed by the royals this is war.
Breaking. The Cubs training staff checked Davis out on Wednesday.
Amazing how fast these comments changed from “Ian Happ has to be included. No way the Cubs can get Wade Davis for Jorge Soler” to “Soler for Davis? Cubs overpaid…”
My thoughts exactly.
It’s also amazing how they’re saying the Cubs overpaid for an “oft injured pitcher” when Soler has already hit the DL for three extended periods of time in his first three seasons.
If Soler plays and finally lives up to his potential, this would be a win-win for both clubs. Davis slots in as closer for the Cubs, and gives them one of the better relief pitchers in all of baseball over the past few seasons. Soler fits in as the Royals’ starting RF, giving them a starting trio of Gordon, Cain and Soler in the OF (barring any trade).
I’m a little surprised, given Soler’s lack of production thus far at the MLB level, that this is all the Royals gathered. They are taking a huge gamble that he will reach the ceiling all the scouts projected for him a couple of years ago. If they do, great trade for both teams. If not, win for the Cubs.
Cubs stole this deal. Soler would have never started for the Cubs again and is so overrated. Sure Davis is coming off a season with injuries, but look at the going rate for relievers these days and wow… KC was totally fleeced
Soler is young and still has upside, while Davis returning from injury, Davis should be better but if Soler develops into a starter that is above average the trade is even. Davis is still a gamble but he can fill the bill at a cheaper price and for a shorter term.
Look what the Cubs gave for a half season of Chapman. They stole Davis
Dude he’s gonna play right field every day. And may get a fee dh starts too. This the royals won this trade because of solers youth and control. And I’m a cubs fan. I was gonna get Soler jersey. I’ll have to wait to see what number he picks for kc. I’ll get #68 no matter what.
I would have liked to see Dayton Moore squeeze out Tommy La Stella in addition to Soler, but at least the Royals got something for Davis and didn’t let him walk like so many other free agents in the past.
Nats need to get going on finding a closer, their options are dwindling.
Yes! Soler is free. Expect big things from this guy. Based on the Chapman trade precedent the Royals probably should have got more in this deal, but, Soler was a good get.
The trade is simple. Cubs traded from a position of depth for a position of need. Even if the Cubs overpaid (which of course is debatable), they could afford to do so.
Yup. This is what teams at the top always do. Maximize the now. Seems pretty simple. They didn’t want to invest 5+ years in a closer, when they could deal from a surplus to fill a need, and develop their future closer in-house on the cheap. They know they’re going to have to keep some money for their stars and fill the gaps when guys like Lackey leave.
Which IMO closers are overpaid when it comes to people like chapman who is looking at 92 mil at 5ish years. So I think this is a super smart move. However, I can see the other side of the coin too and why some may not like the deal.
If wade Davis needs surgery I’m gonna losing my mind.
If he’s hurt the trade will be null and void. Like san Diego and Miami earlier this season.
5 mins ago
Jed Hoyer – “Our team doctor has just given Wade a physical. He’s very strong and good to go.” #FlyTheW
For everyone who thinks the Royals should have gotten more, don’t you think Dayton Moore probably asked for more? Do you think he wasn’t interested in another prospect? Obviously other teams were interested in Davis, this is the deal that Moore chose so it’s probably the best offer he had. He’s not an idiot, despite what all the “Royals got robbed” people think. He’s built a championship club and has had a knack for building a bullpen. I think it’s a solid deal for both teams, and as a Royals fan I will miss Davis, he was bad to the bone and a very high character guy. But I am excited to have a young right-fielder with some real pop under team control for the next four seasons. The Royals need some pop and I think Soler will provide just that.
Of course lots of “Soler is garbage” people out there don’t agree with that.
As a Cub’s fan, this is a fair deal. Older guy on a short deal, for a younger guy on a good contract, who needs some PT, as well as some more flexibility. Soler has big power but wasn’t a full-time spot for him. The people ripping him, probably seen him just a few games. I’ve seen him since he’s been up with the Cubs. It’s either been a pulled hammy or too many other guys to play. He just needs reps, and he’ll be a very solid corner OF.
The cardinals should have offered Rosenthal and Adams.
Horrible, horrible trade for KC. Should’ve gotten considerably more than just Soler.
BS’D, this is actually a genius move by the Cubs…hear me out on this. The Cubs are set with their core players for the next 5 years or so. The FO must have decided, and I think they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt, that Soler is not part of that major league core. In the present, the Cubs don’t need major league – ready prospects in their system, because they are in a World Series window. What this trade does is give the Cubs a top, end of the bullpen arm for one season. After 2017, they can tender Wade a qualifying offer, and, if he signs elsewhere, they get a supplemental first round pick that they can use to begin tooling up for when this current core begins hitting free agency. So the Cubs get Wade for a year, while they are still in their World Series window, and they probably get a supplemental first round pick for Soler to start retooling the lower levels of the organization to develop the next core.
Thanks for bringing common sense to the board. It’s full of over exaggerations and BS
Very logical, unless Davis is bad in 2017 or gets hurt. Then the Cubs will not want to make a a QO at $17+ mil or whatever it will be next year as you probably don’t want to risk Davis accepting, so no supplemental picks, no more Davis as closer into 2018 (and obviously already traded away Soler). That may be fine if grooming Edwards Jr. to be future closer and probably not getting much more for Soler anyway. Now, if Davis is good in 2017 and then wants to try to cash-in with one last big deal, Cubs can certainly offer a QO and possibly re-coup a relatively high draft pick (although the new QO system is different, so the supplemental may not be the same as today). Hopefully both do well with new teams, although it’s pretty easy to see that Davis will have more opportunities to help Cubs try for another World Series in 2017 than Soler, so probably a good deal regardless.
comp picks don’t work like that anymore
Chester – They do this year – That applies for next year this CBA is good till 12/31 BTW So he is correct.
“they can tender Wade a qualifying offer” – so no, he is not correct as that will take place next offseason.
And, by adding Davis, there’s no chance they add Kenley Jansen. They will get a pick around 31 for Dexter Fowler this time around, also.
Rondon is going to be the next Drew Storen
When both team’s fans complain about now getting a fair return, it was a good trade
Which guy goes on the DL list first? How many games does each miss due to injury next season?
This Cards fan is so happy. Cubs trade lots of upside for a one year rental.
Yes, lots of upside that didn’t really have a spot on the roster for regular playing time.
I don’t think this trade gets done if the QO system would have stayed the same next offseason.
I like this trade but does this mean Cain or dyson are for sure gone?
good trade for both teams, there’s more upside for the royals but davis fill a hole in the cubs bullpen, the time will tell who won.
Win/Win deal.
Cubs deal from an embarrassment of riches (OF
I will admit I definitely thought the Royals would have gotten more for Davis based on the recent trades (Cubs can extend QO to Davis at end of year that they couldn’t for Chapman) for closers and the price tags on closers this offseason. It surprised me that the Nats didn’t get desperate after losing out on Sale (offering up their top 3 prospects) and make a big offer to the Royals and I’m sure the Royals could have gotten more prospects that aren’t close to major league ready with the hopes some day they would pan out but I think the Royals wanted/needed major league ready talent and Soler was the best they could get to fit that need. They could have taken a chance and held in to Davis but then you run the risk of injury and getting absolutely nothing for him (see Greg Holland now) so I think this is a mutually beneficial trade. If Davis stays healthy look at what closers are getting for $, Royals couldn’t come close and Soler is better then they pick they’d get with the qualifying offer. If Davis is healthy he’s lights out and the best there is right now. Silver has the potential to be the long term power hitter the Royals seem to always be without, Morales was the first Royal with 30 bombs last year in a long time. Seems like a fair trade all in all as it benefits both teams and fills a void. Herrera is no slouch and will fill in fine as the closer. Now the Royals will trade Dyson and/or Cain or maybe both and hopefully get some starting pitching. Cubs again look pretty solid and by not blowing a bunch of money on a closer can allocate those funds to resign Arietta.
The Cubs and other pennant contenders are doing fantastic at the Winter Meetings. They’ve come to the meetings serious about creating a 2017 team that is better than there 2016 team!!!
Oh by the way…… Is the Cardinals General Manager arrive to the meetings yet, or has he decided to pass this year as he has in the past few?????
The Cubs and other pennant contending teams are making strong improvements for 2017. Congratulations to their organization and their fans!!!!
Oh by the way….Has anybody seen the Cardinals GM at the meetings???
Has anyone had a John Mozeliak sighting??? Haven’t heard any impact trades or free agent signings for the Cardinals that he spoke of prior to the meetings.
Cards will do the same thing as last Winter. Nothing. They got one guy and may do a small trade. As long as Fat @ $$ MO has the Card fans brain washed he will be cheap and keep telling people Believe believe come to the park believe. While adding new tires to his Ferrari and Brea st implants for his ugly fat wife on Card fans money.
The Cubs are at the meetings to
Make progress toward another World Series Championship!!!
After getting their closer in a trade as hoped, I think the Cubs still try to sign Holland–if he’ll pass on a closer guarantee elsewhere.
Beat Heyman by 10 minutes…. haha
The biggest winner in this trade is Jorge Soler.
Soler was a top 3 OF prospect in all baseball before his promotion! Big-time power… 70 on a 20-80 scale. Royals fans don’t know it yet, but this guy is a physical beast. Huge power, big time bat speed / exit velocity; very strong arm. He hasn’t had his chance yet with there being so much depth on the Cubs. Royals are getting a power bat that probably will be an All-Star in 2017.
Internet comment world is funny. Either this is a complete and total rip off for the Cubs or a complete and total rip off for the Royals.
You guys all crack me up with your so called EXPERT opinions – Most don’t know a thing about baseball, at least not the management side of it anyway -. Maybe it just the Cub haters – Maybe it is just people who think they know every thing and know nothing. Neither player has took one step on the field and already Cub haters are saying KC got a steal. How soon everyone forgets that hmm I QUOTE. Soler is a Bum. His worth is nothing – Soler this and that. Soler hasn’t proven $ hi*Remember all those post last year and the year before. Now it a different tune.because he gone. You guys haven’t got anything right since the last 2015 Winter meeting, and for sure nothing all last season and the post season with all your this and that and the Cubs will do this and fold and choke. It old now. Nothing you can say any more get over it. Your creditability and words mean nothing. Don’t even try it not worth you typing out. Grow up stop being childish and act like a real baseball fan and not someone who THINKS they know everything. If you did your team would be on top. Not opinions that have no facts. Talk is cheap and that all I read is cheap talk. All of last year and now into this year. Cheap talk.
You can’t sit here and say who won the trade. Neither player has even step foot on the grass. Opinions are like @$$ holes everyone got one. Think Theo knows what he doing. He has WON 3 World Series – and took a team to the best record Over 2 years to a better than any MLB club you can name since 2015.
If there was ever a win win it is this trade. You can talk about Davis injury last year. But I’m 1000% sure if the Cubs had any issues they wouldn’t have made the trade.
SNAG lol – only Snag last night was both needed medicals, not being done at 2;00am in the morning – Just to make sure.
People for get the following things, and seems no one can think out the box, I sometimes wonder why people post stupid stuff. Maybe to hear themselves talk.
Soler has had his injuries also. Not once but several times. Mostly leg issues. He was on the DL every year. Not to say he will again but so far not good. What he can do and will do is another story. You don;t value a player on what you think he may do or might do. If you do your asking for trouble. You value a player on what he done, what he proven to date. Not what he may do. Hey God may cast a golden shower on Heyward and he might hit 30 HR this year. Doubt it. But we know HE CAN Play Defence and is a Golden Glove that they did need, Anything else is a bonus. If Soler does well in KC than that great – but it not what he can do, everyone has the potential to be something great in life but it takes hard work, some luck and a lot of motivation and all the right tools. But it doesn’t work out always that way for one reason or another. Soler was in an already crowded outfield. There is no DH – so his playing time was thin. KS coming back even makes it slimmer. With Ben and Jay also in the mix around not to mention KB. So that solved. Soler had 3 years to prove himself, it not about well he young and this and that. You get busy winning or get busy losing. Or if your REd or Defrain get busy living or get busy dieing. Cubs will adjust every year, people will come and go. But the core is there. You win championships by adjusting every year not by blowing 100’s of millions on a player or 2. There are times you do it, and times you wait. That how the Turtle beat the rabbit. Sure the Cubs could drop 100 Million on Chappy, or Jensen. But why? They have solved their CF issue and now there Bull pen. I still think Theo not done. With very little money. They be going all in on the Japan star in a year. MLB top brass already know that. There is the 2018 FA class. Yet the Cubs have 99% of everyone back. It not about 2016 it about 2016 till 2022 then will figure it out again, That Theo doing. So before you start blabbing and run a team maybe you should sit back and watch. Just like last year everyone said oh the Cubs pitching needs SP. Get Price, get ZG, get Zimmerman – Sure spend 217 Million, Spen 206 Million, Spend 90 Million on Shark. You guys are the experts. You know nothing. Cubs won the World Series and surely didn’t have to spend it on one of the top 5 pitchers last year who add up to half a Billion dollars. They for sure dont need to blow 85 – 90 100 Million on a closer. If you think so you din’t pay attention to last years FA class. Other than a good year by Cuteo did anyone make headlines in the top 10 Free agent class last year. UMMMM NO. I rest my case. Theo knows what he doing. Not to mention Soler owned a LOT of money yet and that a great salary dump probably the most important thing of all. Kind of like Castro last year. Which not only dimped $40 million but needed Ben Z for next to nothing. Hmm that was the MVP of the World Series I will add. Not to mention there Reg season number are about equal. Ben OBP was a lot higher as was his defence. So more money back in the post while addressing the closer need. Chappy did his job, and was it worth 4 months. Sure it was. Sometimes you need LONG control core, Old Vets – Farm Youth, and then FA, Long term trades – Needs and Rentals to make a complete package. Card fans will never understand But it takes that whole puzzle to go together to make a Champion. Not some without the other. I said it before Theo will adjust every year – people will come and go. The scary thing is now the rest of the NL has to adjust. St.L forget it, MO still has them brain washed and cheap. At least Miami, LAD and SFG are doing there thing. Cards still going the cheap way with we can do it. The Mets are trying to keep up give them Credit. TBH the NL Central will be the weakest Division in MLB this year watch, This wont even be close – Cinn, Milw and Pitt all rebuilding and the Cards still going on busted up old player except a certain few with no closer and no SP. Keep hitting those HR boys. Was a great trade wo blowing 65 – 80 -90 100 Million. Now if the Cubs signed Chappy for 90 – 95 Million everyone would say it an over pay. I stop listening to trolls and haters because it a no win with them. And really none of them have got it right yet. Faith my friends. Won’t be easy and even if the Cubs don’t repeat they be re-geared for 2018. Hey it an even =year right. LMAO – The End. Oh yeah 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs – If you can’t run with the Big Dogs sit your @ $$ on the porch. Boston vs Chicago 2017??? lol
Good lord man – you got a TLDR handy?
Did anyone bother to read that novel?
C’mon man, that’s just a novella!
Given what the Yankees were able to get out of them for limited service of Chapman, the gain for the Royals here is pretty minimal. Injury or not, Davis is considered just as good or maybe better than Chapman when healthy.
Wow good trade. Royals can still contend cuz they have kelvin, and the cubs get the closer they needed
So what is next for the Cubs? In my opinion I think they need to go after either a young controlable starter maybe like Jake ordirizzi Chris archer or Jose Quintana. Or do the cubs go after another bullpen relief pitcher and I don’t know any other bullpen really pictures that could come out of this market for the Cubs. Does anyone have any ideas?
Next move is likely another bullpen piece, which will most likely be a LHP. I wouldn’t mind seeing them make a run at Justin Wilson from the Tigers or Boone Logan.
Good call, prognosticator!