Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell were among the 130 MLB players to become free agents Thursday, with contract talks eligible to begin Monday.
The Cubs are close to a trade to acquire closer Wade Davis from the Royals, although sources said both teams still have to OK the medical information.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon says he met with Jason Heyward before Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday and "covered everything" regarding the struggling right fielder's benching.
Jason Heyward is again not in the Cubs' lineup posted for Game 2 of the World Series against the Indians.
Dexter Fowler was an unexpected addition to Chicago Cubs spring training Thursday, as the team announced that the two sides had agreed to a one-year deal.
The Cubs continued their busy offseason by agreeing to terms with free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward on an 8-year, $184 million deal, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick and multiple reports.
