Five teams that need to shop hard for hitting help
While we saw record pitching payouts in San Diego, these squads should invest in their lineups for 2020.
2019 ScheduleAll times ET
2019 Schedule
84-78, 3rd in NL Cent
Source: Cubs, Morrow agree to minor league deal
The Cubs and Brandon Morrow have agreed to a minor league deal that will bring the oft-injured reliever who hasn't pitched since the first half of 2018 back to Chicago, a source told ESPN.
William Weinbaum ESPN
A day after MLB announced safety netting extensions will have been installed at all 30 ballparks for 2020, the Cubs say the specifics for Wrigley Field aren't set yet. A team spokesman gave a statement to ESPN's Outside the Lines: "Given the unique design of the walls along the playing field surface which are landmarked, we are still reviewing options that provide the safest and enjoyable environment for fans."
Why a Cubs-Braves Kris Bryant trade makes sense now that Rendon has signed
One club needs a third baseman. The other needs pitching help and controllable players. Could a deal happen?
BBTN: Reaction To Gerrit Cole's Record Contract
Nine years. $324 million. Karl Ravech reacts to Gerrit Cole's record deal with the Yankees, its impact on the AL East and how the signing makes the Yankees the biggest World Series favorite in years. Then, New York Post's Joel Sherman on what Cole's decision ultimately came down to (19:15) and ESPN's Marly Rivera with a story on the moment she found out about the signing (37:23). And, SNY's Steve Gelbs with the latest on the Mets and how MLB's investigation into the Astros will impact new manager Carlos Beltran (37:23).
Agent: Cubs aren't working on Rizzo extension
The agent for Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said the team isn't working toward an extension for the All-Star at this time.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer indicated the team isn't likely to complete a significant deal before the end of the meetings on Thursday: "I'd lean no but that can change quickly. It's still early in the week. We're not at halftime yet, so to speak." Hoyer confirmed the need for the free agent market to get moving before the trade market can heat up.
BBTN: Stephen Strasburg Mega-Deal And The Latest From The MLB Winter Meetings
Buster and Hembo analyze Stephen Strasburg's 7-year/$245M deal and how it impacts the free agency of Anthony Rendon and Gerrit Cole. Then, ESPN's Clinton Yates (and Nationals homer) offers his own reaction to the signing before discussing the trade market for Kris Bryant and why it's important for baseball's sake that Madison Bumgarner remain with the Giants (12:55). Plus, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold on the Cardinals' offseason plans (22:37) and...does Scott Boras deserve a spot in Cooperstown?
Cubs' Epstein confident in pending Bryant ruling
Theo Epstein says he doesn't believe Kris Bryant's service-time grievance is impacting trade discussions and is confidence of the imminent ruling in the case.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Theo Epstein, on waiting for a decision, regarding Kris Bryant's grievance hearing: "We're fairly confident in what the outcome is going to be but the timing is a bit frustrating. It would be nice to know. We're at the winter meetings and there hasn't been a ruling. I understand these things take time. It's not going to be more than a couple weeks away but it would be nice to have that final confirmation."
BBTN: The Latest From The MLB Winter Meetings
With the MLB winter meetings underway in San Diego, Buster welcomes ESPN's Alden Gonzalez (20:51) and Jesse Rogers (31:51) to discuss the latest in the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes, landing spots for Anthony Rendon, the trade markets for Kris Bryant and Wilson Contreras and more. Plus, Tim Kurkjian on last night's Hall of Fame inductions and Sarah Langs with her take on the changes coming to Mets ownership (11:02).
Gerrit Cole watch, big spenders and more: Passan answers 20 winter meetings questions
From the ace in the spotlight to why this year's meetings could actually produce some major moves, here's what you need to know as the hot stove's main event begins.
Cubs face Red Sox, Yanks as part of SNB slate
A pair of Cubs interleague games against the Red Sox and Yankees will feature on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball 2020 first-half slate.
Winter meetings rewind: Here's everything that went down this week in San Diego
This is your one-stop shop for free-agent signings, blockbuster trades and the latest rumors and buzz.
Mookie Betts to the Reds (or White Sox) and more winter meetings trades we want to see
Hoping for a busy week of moves in San Diego? So are we. Here are some deals that would get everyone talking.
Hamels signs 1-year, $18M deal to join Braves
Cole Hamels, who went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA and 143 strikeouts during an injury-plagued season with the Cubs in 2019, signed a one-year, $18 million deal with the Braves.
BBTN: Where Will The Top Free Agents Land?
With the MLB Hot Stove already cookin', Buster and Bob Nightengale discuss possible landing spots for the biggest names left in free agency. Plus, a special offseason "Hembo Knows" (22:13) and some Bleacher Tweets with a Texas twist (33:21).
One blockbuster move for all 30 MLB teams
Kris Bryant to Cincy? Anthony Rendon on the Rangers? We dream up a major hot stove splash for every squad.
MLB trade tiers: The big names who could move this winter
Mookie. Lindor. Arenado? We examine the stars who will (or should) be in offseason trade talks.
Which MLB players were cut loose or traded on non-tender night?
Teams looking to avoid arbitration added a few veterans to the free-agent pool, but some exploited Monday's moves to shore up their rosters.
Cubs, Russell part ways after two troubled years
The Cubs did not offer a contract to infielder Addison Russell, making him a free agent after five years with the team, with his final two seasons marked by controversy.
What one move would turn near-miss contenders into 2020 playoff teams?
For five winning teams that fell short of reaching the postseason, there's a trade or free-agent fix that could put them over the top.
Cubs acquire RHP Cotton in trade with Athletics
Jharel Cotton, who went 11-10 with a 4.95 ERA in 29 starts for the A's over the 2016 and 2017 seasons before undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing all of 2018, has been traded to the Cubs.
The MLB genie: One wish for fans of all 30 teams ... with a catch
If you could have one thing you really wanted for your favorite team, what would you be willing to give up?
Marly Rivera ESPN Writer
Brian Cashman said "a lot of clubs" asked for permission to interview Carlos Mendoza for a bench coach position before the Yankees gave him the job. Sources told ESPN that the Cubs, who hired Andy Green, were one of them.
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2019 NL Central Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 91 | 71 | .562 | - | W1 |
| Milwaukee | 89 | 73 | .549 | 2 | L3 |
| Chicago | 84 | 78 | .519 | 7 | L1 |
| Cincinnati | 75 | 87 | .463 | 16 | W2 |
| Pittsburgh | 69 | 93 | .426 | 22 | L2 |
2019 Team Leaders
- Batting
- Pitching
BATTING AVERAGE
Home Runs
RUNS BATTED IN
Earned Run Average
Wins
Strikeouts
Team Stats
- Batting
- Pitching
Runs81410th
Batting Average.25213th
On Base Percentage.3338th
Slugging Percentage.4529th
Earned Run Average4.107th
Quality Starts0Tied-27th
WHIP0.191st
BAA.24912th