Hoyer: Cubs looking to 'add a lot more players'
Meeting the media Monday for the first time since the lockout ended, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer had some news both good and bad.
On the good front, Hoyer said the Cubs are still looking to add players to a roster that shed some big names last season.
"We are certainly going to add a lot more players, no question about that," Hoyer told reporters at the Cubs' training camp in Mesa, Ariz. "We certainly have some openings and we are going to be talking to teams and free agents. We have a number of holes to address.
"Our biggest focus has been on pitching and pitching depth. Everyone knows the value of innings at the beginning of the season is going to be real."
When the lockout finally ended last Thursday after dragging on for over three months, the roster challenges returned.
The Cubs did make a big splash before baseball went dark, signing free-agent starting pitcher March Stroman to a three-year, $71 million contract. They also added another veteran starter, Wade Miley, and catcher Yan Gomes.
After the lockout, shortstop Aldreton Simmons and relief pitcher Jesse Chavez joined the Cubs, so Hoyer has definitely been adding after trading Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant last summer.
As for more moves, the Cubs need pitching help and another outfielder or two.
On the bad news front, Hoyer announced starting pitcher Adbert Alzolay is dealing with shoulder tightness and will be on the injured list when the regular season opens with an April 7 game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field.
Last season, Alzolay pitched in 29 games (21 starts) and was 5-13 with a 4.58 ERA.
Hoyer said Ian Happ had right elbow surgery in February to clean up a "loose body type thing."
The outfielder is expected to be ready for the season and Happ could be used at designated hitter until the elbow is fully healthy.
Infielder David Bote had left shoulder surgery after last season ended and he won't be ready to go on April 7.
The Cubs are also going to be without relief pitcher Codi Heuer for the entire season. Acquired from the White Sox in the Kimbrel trade, the right-hander is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
After having no contact with players since early December, Hoyer is getting back up to speed as quickly as possible.
"Still trying to get to the bottom of a lot of injuries right now, or just a lot of player fitness," he said. "Guys are in various stages of fitness right now."