Dec. 09--The addition of Ben Zobrist lessens the Chicago Cubs' need for an offensive-minded center fielder.
In addition, the way that the contracts of John Lackey and Zobrist were structured allow the Cubs to continue to look for pitching as well as address their void in center field with the expected departure of free agent center fielder Dexter Fowler.
"We'll continue to pursue smaller moves for depth," President Theo Epstein said. "Obviously we'd welcome an impact move if it's out there. All the moves we have been pursuing previously here are potentially alive for us."
Zobrist's four-year, $56 million contract was structured so that he'll receive a $2 million bonus with a $10 million salary in 2016, followed by salaries of $16 million in 2017 and 2018 and $12 million in 2019.
Lackey will receive a $7 million bonus with a salary of $12.5 million in 2016 and 2017. The Cubs have earmarked about $90 million to 12 players for 2016 -- including $11 million for since-departed Edwin Jackson.
With about $40 million left to spend, the Cubs have about up to $10 million to spend for their non-arbitration eligible players. That could allow them to be more creative, as Epstein thanked the Cubs' business department with its assistance that enabled them to acquire Lackey and Zobrist with more room to spend with a surplus of relievers and infielders.
"I wouldn't say we've limited ourselves in any trade talks going forward, but we don't have to act out of need or desperation," Epstein said. "We can be very selective."
