Like last winter, the Cubs are in a bit of a bind when it comes upgrading their roster. It was hoped that jettisoning the $53 million bulge that included the expiring contracts of Cole Hamels, Ben Zobrist, Brandon Morrow, Steve Cishek, and Brandon Kintzler would allow them to make a few upgrades in free agency. More hope, it was thought, could be found in lancing a couple of warts like Addison Russell and Albert Almora, Jr., giving the Cubs an extra few million of just-in-case-money for late-winter free agent bargains.
The Rundown: Cubs May Be Punting on Castellanos, Trout Gets Third MVP, Braves Grab Closer in Free Agency
