Minor moves that won't generate a lot of excitement outside of Chicago, but I love the last two pitching signings by Hoyer. Brett Anderson is a really solid addition if he can stay healthy. That's a big if, but they're not counting on him and there is tremendous upside.
I also really like the signing of Eddie Butler. I'm not a prospects guru. Outside of the Cubs system, I don't keep up with many of the amateur top 100, so I won't try to convince you that I know much about Butler. From what I've gathered, it's all upside. He's 25 years old, controllable through 2022 and has an option left. Reports indicate he has a solid fastball and change, and this past season worked to develop a slider. He's got a year to work on his stuff in Iowa, and Chicago can evaluate his ability to contribute without needing him whatsoever.
Chicago's pitching stayed remarkably healthy last year. Part of that is how well Maddon managed innings, and part of it is luck. We have no depth in the minors, so adding a AAA starter with this kind of upside, while giving up very little, is a great move.
http://www.csnchicago.com/mlb-cubs-rocki...hing-depth
With a few minor moves, including trading Vogelbach for Mike Montgomery, they've done a great job of addressing the back-end of the rotation. The approach for solidifying the top of the rotation will be more challenging. Arrieta situation will be interesting. I don't think the front office will sign Arrieta and go after Shohei Otani. It's one or the other, and my money is an aggressive offer to Otani unless Jake takes a 5 year deal.