Skip to content

Cubs acquire Davis from Royals for Soler

John Rieger / USA TODAY Sports

A reported deal between the World Series champion Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals that picked up some steam Tuesday was made official by both clubs Wednesday.

The Royals have traded right-hander Wade Davis to the Cubs in exchange for outfielder Jorge Soler.

Acquiring the 31-year-old closer Davis almost certainly puts the Cubs out of the running for free agent Aroldis Chapman, who ended the year as the team's finisher.

"That's the thought. We did this deal with the idea of putting Wade in the ninth inning," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said a press conference, according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat. "That doesn't say we don't have confidence in the others, but one thing we learned this year is that when you play that extra month, it's hard on your bullpen. The more good relievers we can have and add multiple weapons, the better. We like all the guys we have, and hopefully that can take the burden off the seventh month."

Davis posted an ERA under 2.00 for the third consecutive season in 2016, saving 27 games in 30 opportunities for the Royals. His 45 appearances, however, were his lowest mark since 2013 when he was still a starter thanks to forearm issues.

Over his career, Davis, a two-time All-Star, owns a 55-37 record with 47 saves in 334 games.

Soler, a 24-year-old Cuban signed by the Cubs as an amateur free agent in 2012, was blocked in a deep Chicago outfield, only appearing in 211 games over three years of major-league ball.

During his time in the bigs, Soler has shown flashes of power, hitting 27 home runs while driving in 98 in 765 plate appearances.

He'll join a Royals outfield mix that consists of Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon, Jarrod Dyson, and Paulo Orlando, and could also give them an option at designated hitter, with Kendrys Morales departing via free agency.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox