We are now three weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training and the Chicago Cubs still need to improve their roster. While plenty of free agents remain available, two more potential targets are now off the board.
Left-handed reliever Matt Moore, who the Cubs have been interested in signing since last offseason, signed with the Los Angeles Angels. The left-handed pitcher has agreed to a one-year deal worth $9 million with Los Angeles. Moore, 33, recorded a 2.66 ERA in 44 innings during his time with the Angels before he was put on waivers at the end of the season. Moore was picked up by the Cleveland Guardians, who also placed the lefty on waivers after five appearances before he was acquired by the Miami Marlins.
Overall in 2023, Moore posted a 2.56 ERA in 52.2 innings, striking out 60 batters, while only walking 15 in his 50 relief appearances.
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Moore is the fourth free agent reliever to sign with the Angels this offseason.
Left-handed reliever Matt Moore and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a one-year, $9 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Moore joins the recently signed Robert Stephenson, plus previous free agent signings Luis Garcia and Adam Cimber, in a completely overhauled bullpen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2024
Meanwhile, right-handed slugger Rhys Hoskins has signed a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. This one hurts twice as much, seeing that Hoskins was a long-time Cubs target since the beginning of free agency and now he’s on a division rival.
However, after the Cubs traded for Michael Busch, who was one of the Los Angeles Dodgers top prospects, it seemed as though the team was no longer a serious suitor for Hoskins. Busch, who can play several positions, is expected to get the majority of the playing time at first base with the Cubs.
Hoskins, who missed the 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL in spring training, will earn $17 million in 2024 with the Brewers. He can opt-out after this season or return for another $17 million next year in Milwaukee.
BREAKING: First baseman Rhys Hoskins and the Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a two-year, $34 million contract with an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2024
In 2022, Hoskins had a slash line of .246/.332/.462, slugging 30 home runs in 156 games. Hoskins, who will be 31-years-old once the season begins, has a career 126 wRC+, averaging 30 home runs per season from 2018-22, excluding 2020, when he hit 10 in 41 games.
So, where do the Cubs go from here? Well, the reliever market still has a plethora of names on it for the Cubs to choose from, but there’s no doubt that the top-end of that list does not have many names left.
Meanwhile, there is still only one guy who fits the Cubs need for another legit bat in the middle of the lineup.
Cody Bellinger remains the top free agent position player left and a reunion with the Cubs appears to be what many within the baseball industry believe will happen. Yet, there hasn’t really been any updates on the two sides closing the gap in negotiations. Bellinger is seeking a deal worth more than $200 million, while the Cubs, and any other potential suitor, has not come close to that figure.
We’ll see who blinks first and hopefully another team doesn’t swoop in and sign Bellinger because at this point the Cubs offseason has come down to Belli or bust.
