Cubs' Wade Davis: Officially dealt to Cubs

Davis was officially dealt to the Cubs on Wednesday in exchange for Jorge Soler, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.

Analysis:

The trade had been rumored for more than 12 hours before it finally became a done deal. It makes sense for both clubs, as Soler would have only been used as a weapon against left-handed pitchers if he remained on the Cubs, and the Royals have bullpen depth to deal from. Davis, who will be a free agent after the 2017 season, will presumably serve as the Cubs' closer, provided they do not sign Kenley Jansen or Aroldis Chapman. A second half elbow issue and a slight dip in velocity compared to his 2015 readings should prompt some caution. His strikeout rate fell from 31.1 percent in 2015 to 26.7 percent last season, and his 9.1 percent walk rate was his highest mark since 2013. That said, it is a pretty favorable situation for Davis, as he will have an excellent defense playing behind him and should be the closer on a team that has a chance to win 100-plus games.