MLB Rumors: New York Mets could steal Cubs executive Dan Kantrovitz
Dan Kantrovitz is the Chicago Cubs vice president of scouting, though he could receive a promotion rather soon if Chicago isn't careful. Kantrovitz is reportedly being pursued by the New York Mets to lead their scouting department, which is a step up from his current position.
Per Jon Morosi, "Source: The Mets have had discussions about hiring Dan Kantrovitz for a high-level position overseeing their amateur scouting and player development departments. Kantrovitz is currently the Cubs vice president of scouting."
Chicago just lost Craig Breslow to the Boston Red Sox, who was hired to replace Chaim Bloom as president of baseball operations. Having Kantrovitz leave as well would be a huge hit to their front office.
The Cubs have one of the better farm systems in baseball, headlined by Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was acquired in the Javy Baez trade. Per Sports Illustrated's Matthew Postins, Kantrovitz has overseen the development of Chicago's prospect system, which ranks top-5 in MLB per MLB Pipeline:
"Kantrovitz has been responsible for leading the Cubs' farm system, which has progressed into one of the best in baseball. That work paid off late this season with the call-ups of outfielder Peter Crow-Armstrong, outfielder Alexander Canario and pitcher Jordan Wicks."
With the Mets potentially rebuilding for the 2025 season, developing a strong farm system is critical.
MLB Rumors: By no means will Kyle Hendricks sign extension with Cubs
The Professor has a $16.5 million option with the Cubs this season, so there's a good chance he could stay around. Recent reporting around the situation is clouded, though, as it's unclear whether Hendricks would be open to a contract extension to lessen his asking price. This would give Hendricks a multiyear deal, and allow the Cubs to have more financial flexibility. However, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, there haven't been any extension talks as of now:
"I've been told that is not happening. If anything, (the Cubs) will exercise the option. There's a chance they could talk in March, you know, Spring Training. But I don't think he's going to sign an extension any time soon …. I don't discount the chance of signing up another contract, but I just don't think it's imminent or around the corner. I don't think they've had any discussions about a long-term deal. The first step will be the option."
In the end, the Cubs don't have much of a choice in this matter. Hendricks could opt in to the final year of his contract, thus adding more money to Chicago's payroll. If he's not open to taking less for Jed Hoyer's sake, that's not his fault.
MLB Rumors: Who could the Cubs offer in a Juan Soto trade?
The Chicago Cubs are expected to be in on the Juan Soto chase this offseason, joining the New York Yankees as the only other team known to be interested. Chicago could use another big bat, especially with Cody Bellinger potentially leaving this offseason. The only matter in the way of potentially acquiring Soto would be his long-term commitment, as he's expected to enter free agency after the 2024 season. As Bruce Levine explains, the Padres are exploring offers for Soto due to his contract status:
"The 25-year-old Soto, a three-time All-Star, could be a high-profile addition for any team that's willing to meet the Padres' price. The reason the Padres will listen to trade offers on him is because they're looking to pare down their large payroll after a disappointing 82-80 campaign and want to add younger talent with more contract control. As Soto has just one season left on his contract before he's set to hit free agency, moving him is perhaps the best way to do that," Levine writes.
Even though Soto will be on an expiring contract next season, a full season of his services will not come cheap if the Cubs were to enter negotiations with the Padres. Some prospects San Diego could target include Pete Crow-Armstrong, who the Cubs surely will not be willing to part ways with.
PCA made a brief cameo in the majors this season, and is one of the best defensive players in the minor leagues. His bat also improved immensely over the last year, which makes him a more attractive target. There's a reason he's a top-100 prospect.
