MLB Free Agency: Why Chicago Cubs' Offseason Has Been Underrated

Bigger isn’t always better.  That was the story of the Cubs' 2012 offseason, as they made a series of stealthy trades and upside signings as new bosses Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer reshaped the organization.  They haven't attracted too much media attention, but the Cubs’ offseason was quietly one of the most effective in Major League Baseball.

Let’s look at the signings. The Cubs began the offseason by inking outfielder David DeJesus to a two year deal for slightly under $10 million.  DeJesus will not win any MVP awards, but he is a deceptively effective ballplayer: his on-base percentage is consistently high and he plays solid defense at either corner outfield position.  He gives the Cubs an effective leadoff hitter who can get on base and improve the Cubs’ abysmal strikeout ratios.

The Cubs also resigned Reed Johnson, which will give them good outfield depth, and added young Cuban starting pitcher Gerardo Concepcion for the future.  The Cubs are not a one year project, so Conception has time to develop and should be ready just when the team is positioning itself to contend once again. 

The Cubs also made several good trades that, while not generating headlines, will generate dividends long term.

To begin with, they acquired Ian Stewart in a trade with the Rockies for spare parts, which should help if Stewart can regain his hitting form from 2010.  He is a young left-handed bat with power and decent fielding range at second or third base, which will make him a good regular if he can rebound.  In return the Cubs gave up Tyler Colvin, who was without a position, strikeout prone, and coming off a poor year, and D.J. LeMatheiu, an intriguing hitter with no position on the diamond.

The Cubs then sent Sean Marshall, an excellent left-handed reliever with only one year left on his contract, to the Cincinnati Reds for starter Travis Wood and prospects Dave Sappelt and Ronald Torrayes.  Wood was available at a discount following a terrible 2011 season, but he showed great potential in 2010 and could be a long-term third starter.  Sappelt and Torrayes will provide strong big league depth and help build an unselfish clubhouse mentality. 

But it was two trades that defined the Cubs’ positive off-season: their trade to jettison pitcher Carlos Zambrano and their acquisition of first base prospect Anthony Rizzo.

The Cubs sent prospect Andrew Cashner to the Padres for Rizzo, which was a good deal for the Cubs because Cashner is likely to end up in the bullpen.  For his part, Zambrano was once a fiery fan favorite. but his antics have now outshone his talent and he became a serious clubhouse cancer in 2011.  The Cubs had to get rid of him to turn the page and start a new era, so they sent him (along with most of his salary) to the Miami Marlins for young starter Chris Volstad.  Volstad has never lived up to his potential in the majors but has talent and may blossom with a change of scenery. 

So, where does that leave the Cubs?  They are hardly a 2012 contender, but the offseason helped them shed several bad contracts and personalities and acquire several players who could be very helpful down the road.  Rizzo is now their first basemen of the future and will be ready in September 2012. along with outfielder prospect Brett Jackson.  Together, Jackson, Rizzo, and Starlin Castro represent an intriguing trio for the Cubs to build upon moving forward into the franchise’s new future.