The newly crowned 2016 World Series Champions Chicago Cubs are reportedly set to acquire closer Wade Davis from last year's World Series Champions, the Kansas City Royals. According to multiple reports, the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a trade that would bring closer Wade Davis to the Cubs. The Kansas City Royals would then receive outfielder Jorge Soler. The deal is still subject on both players' physicals.
The Chicago Cubs are expected to lose top reliever Aroldis Chapman, who helped them win their first World Series since 1908, to free agency this off season. There are rumors that Aroldis Chapman has a $92 million offer on the table. Instead of offering Aroldis Chapman a huge contract, the Chicago Cubs instead used their extra outfielders as trade assets and opted for a cheaper but reliable replacement in Wade Davis.
Wade Davis, 31, was an integral part of the Kansas City Royals' lockdown bullpen that helped them win the 2015 World Series. The past three seasons, Wade Davis has a 1.18 ERA, allowing just three home runs. This past 2016 season, Wade Davis dealt with various throwing arm issues that landed him twice on the disabled list. Although Wade Davis was only limited to 43 1/3 innings due to his injuries, the right handed closer still managed to log a 1.87 ERA and 27 saves in his first season as the Kansas City Royals' full time closer.
Wade Davis is set to receive $10 million next season before becoming a free agent in 2018. That's still cheaper than what the Chicago Cubs would've offered Aroldis Chapman. Reports said that Aroldis Chapman is pursuing a six year contract and a little over $100 million in the free agent market.
Jorge Soler, 24, was signed by the Chicago Cubs back in 2012 to a nine year, $30 million contract. Back then Jorge Soler was just 20 years old and a Cuban defector. The Chicago Cubs had high hopes for Jorge Soler and he didn't disappoint. Although he had a sub-par year at the plate in 2016 with a slash line of .238/.333/.436, the 24 year old's power has steadily increased in each of his three MLB seasons. Plus Jorge Soler will only be 25 years old on opening day in 2017. Jorge Soler would surely be a big contributor for the Kansas City Royals.