Cubs Rumors: Dansby Swanson putting on GM cap this offseason
In a recent End-of-Season press conference, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said, "[Dansby] Swanson is going to be involved in the offseason discussions because that's just how he is. He'll be in our ear, playing assistant GM. We may take some suggestions, may not take some others. We love that his heart is always in the right place."
The Cubs are trying to build a dynasty, and Swanson wants to help them create one, as he has his future now locked up with the Cubs after leaving the Atlanta Braves on a seven-year, $177 million contract.
Swanson has bet his future with the Cubs, so it's no wonder why he wants to be closer to the top executives and management that makes the acquisitions. Hoyer and Swanson have a great relationship as Hoyer went to Swanson's wedding in 2022.
Hoyer said that they will take into consideration what Swanson wants the team to make acquisition-wise, but they won't do everything he wants. Kind of like a Bryce Harper situation in Philly, in which he told them to acquire certain players he thought could take them to the next level. Players taking part in front-office choices isn't new; it's just starting to come back to MLB as players want more control over their futures.
Cubs Rumors: Pete Alonso Trade Update
It seems Pete Alonso may want to leave the Mets after some of the moves they made at the trade deadline and beyond. After New York decided to replace Buck Showalter, Alonso took it personally, and some reported that the situation got to a point where Alonso almost charged into owner Steven Cohen's office to voice his disappointment about the situation, according to NY Post's Mike Puma.
Alonso told the SNY Mets, "He's an unbelievable manager. I feel really happy that [my time with him] happened, as opposed to more upset that he's gone."
Fellow teammate Francisco Lindor said, "He let me be Francisco Lindor, and I appreciate that. He let my daughter run around and love on him, and I appreciate that."
The Mets may not want to trade Alonso, but he only has one year left on his contract. They could attempt to extend him, but if he doesn't accept it, they can either trade him or let him walk in free-agency for free.
Alonso was furious as the manager who was known as a player's coach was removed, but at the end of the day, it's Cohen's team, and he will pay a new manager whatever it takes to win a World Series.
Cubs Rumors: Will Kyle Hendricks return next season?
The Chicago Cubs are expected to bring back Kyle Hendricks for another season in 2024, as they will now use his $16 million club option for the '24 season, according to Chicago SunTimes.
Hendricks recently said, "I love Chicago so much," and continued, "I really hope to be a part of this group specifically and going forward with them. Whatever is going to happen is going to be right, no matter what it is," according to Chicago SunTimes.
The Cubs feature Justin Steele as the ace of the team, while having Jameson Taillon and Drew Smyly as well as rookie Jordan Wicks. Marcus Stroman's future is up in the air, as it's unclear if he will opt-in to the remainder of his contract, and now it seems likely the Cubs will invoke the club option on Hendricks.
This brings up the question: What will the rotation look like in 2024 as not all of these players can stay in the rotation?
Smyly will probably move to the bullpen, as they don't really need him in the rotation, as his 5.00 ERA in 2023 wasn't all that good. Smyly will get paid $10.5 million in 2024, then has a $2.5 million buyout in 2025, which would make enough room in the rotation for Hendricks.