LAS VEGAS — At one point, it appeared as if the Cubs were building momentum toward making a deal of some sort during the MLB Winter Meetings.
That's no longer the case, as GM Jed Hoyer threw cold water on the notion of a trade or free agent signing in the team's final hours at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
"The dialogue has been good for the whole industry, I just think it's been slow," Hoyer said. "Sometimes, it probably takes a couple deals to break the ice and it hasn't happened yet. You guys are probably somewhat bored; I know it's been a slow Winter Meetings.
"It's been productive for us. We've had a lot of conversations with agents, a lot of conversations with teams, good time here with staff. So it's been good and productive, but we're probably unlikely to make any deals while we're here."
Hoyer is correct in the assessment that the market is slow around the entire league. It's even more apparent considering the Winter Meetings are later this year compared to recent offseasons.
With an anticipated down period for the holidays coming in less than two weeks, there's not much time left to make some waves for the Cubs or the rest of the league.
Many of the top free agents are still on the board, including nearly every relief pitcher.
MLB
The Cubs have not been shy in their desire to add bullpen arms this winter, but don't expect them to set the market or be in the bidding for the top free agents like Craig Kimbrel or Andrew Miller given the organization's financial constraints.
"Last year was different than most. I think people remember last year where Tuesday or Wednesday [of Winter Meetings], it felt like every reliever signed that one day or two days," Hoyer said. "It's much different than it was last year.
"I mean, obviously those guys are going to sign contracts, it's just a matter of when that happens. It's probably not gonna happen here in Vegas, but it'll happen soon after, I bet."
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