Cubs leave winter meetings with momentum, but will trade negotiations make it to the 'end zone'?

DALLAS — On the last day of winter meetings, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer avoided making promises about the Cubs’ ongoing trade talks.

“We all have done this too long,” Hoyer said Wednesday. “I always say, it's not just about getting in the end zone. It's about, literally, you have to kick the extra point before you feel like that six [points] is actually real. … I never feel comfortable as you're negotiating. I don't ever get to a place where you feel like you have a deal. There’s competition, there’s medical processes, there’s so many things that go into it.”

The Cubs went into the winter meetings Monday with plenty of feelers out to potential trade partners. And three days of baseball executives cloistered in Dallas helped expedite the process.

“We've moved the ball down the field on a bunch of things and had a bunch of good conversations,” Hoyer said, continuing the football metaphor. “Where these meetings really help is, it's just three days, it's condensed, people get back to you quickly.

“I feel like a lot of times when you start talking about trades or different things when you're not here early in the off season, it could be like a week. You throw a proposal out, or a concept, and like a week later you hear back. And when you're here, it's more in the hours, usually. People are in the room together, they're doing stuff. There's a sense of alacrity.”

As Hoyer predicted on Monday, the Cubs used the week to lay the groundwork for trades that they hope to finalize after leaving Dallas. They also neared an agreement to sign veteran catcher Carson Kelly. But the Cubs would need to clear a spot on their 40-man roster, with the selection of infielder Gage Workman from the Tigers in the Rule 5 Draft Wednesday bringing it to capacity, before making roster additions.

Some teams have balked at the Cubs’ high starting point in trade talks about second baseman Nico Hoerner, per league sources. They could still work toward a deal, but the Cubs are focused on improving their team for next year. With that goal in mind, it doesn't make sense for them to send out a player who consistently contributes four wins above replacement for a prospect package that would only strengthen the Cubs’ future outlook and hamstring them in 2025.

Hoerner also underwent forearm surgery in October. And though he isn't expected to miss significant time, and his reputation for a strong work ethic has helped combat concerns for some, there will be more clarity once he returns to the field. The upside of the surgery is that, as long as Hoerner’s recovery and rehab go smoothly, it maintains his ability to play high-level shortstop if needed at the higher profile position.

The trade conversations that generated more traction in reports out of the winter meetings this week revolve around the Cubs’ crowded outfield. Could Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker become the impact bat the Cubs need to elevate their offense? Will they move outfielder Cody Bellinger, who has another opt-out in his contract after the season, adding a bit of a wrinkle to the assessment of his trade value?

Hoyer at least made one thing clear after agent Joel Wolfe said Cubs right fielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki could be open to waiving his full no-trade clause in the right circumstances.

“Ultimately, he’s a really good player,” Hoyer said. “I expect him to be a Cub.”

The Cubs have also submitted an initial presentation for 23-year-old right-handed hurler Roki Saski, who was posted to MLB teams on Monday. Wolfe, who also represents Sasaki, said they hope to begin meeting with teams next week.

Hoyer described the current roster as “a great foundation,” but he’s motivated to keep pushing for improvement. Between the Cubs’ pursuit of Sasaki and continued trade negotiations, the baseball operations department still has a busy schedule ahead.

Could a trade be on the horizon? Hoyer isn't taking this week's progress as a surefire sign.

"I've seen so many deals fall apart in the 2-yard line,” he said, "that I don't believe in optimism on that.”