Cubs cast wide net for pitching but don’t expect to land big one

NATIONAL HARBER, Md. – The Cubs publicly cop to exactly two things when it comes to their efforts to upgrade their pitching staff – particularly their bullpen – during this week’s winter meetings:

First: “It’s safe to say we’re kicking the tires on any pitching that’s available,” general manager Hoyer said as the meetings opened in the Washington, D.C., area Monday.

And?

“I don’t think we’re the Chicago team that’s going to be making headlines,” he said.

That leaves a lot of ground in the middle. And that’s exactly where the team is expected fix its gaze on the market going forward this winter, barring Dodgers free agent closer Kenley Jansen suddenly deciding he wants to pitch in Chicago for less money and fewer years than the Yankees, Marlins or his own Dodgers offer.

A source familiar with the team’s efforts said the Cubs are putting much of their efforts into “about 10 guys” on the winter pitching market that offer reliable track records but at far less the commitments of the high-profile Jansens and Aroldis Chapmans of the free agent world.

Those include right-hander Brad Ziegler (1.85 and 2.25 ERAs last two seasons) and left-hander Jerry Blevins (a former Cubs farmhand with a 2.79 for the Mets in ’16), both of whom would command significantly shorter commitments.

Hoyer reiterated Monday what he and team president Theo Epstein had said after last winter and heading into this offseason: that the club did most of its 2017 spending before the 2016 season, when it targeted a two-year window with one winter.

“Listen, I think we’ve set expectations appropriately,” Hoyer said. “This offseason I don’t expect that same level of activity.”

Look for the Cubs to seek starting pitching depth through trades in which they seek controllable young players who can open the season at AAA if necessary as the Cubs give lefty Mike Montgomery a bona fide shot at starting.

And look for multiple bullpen additions (to go with the just signed lefty Brian Duensing) without necessarily a focus on acquiring a nominal closer.

“I definitely think we’ll bolster our bullpen,” said Hoyer, who suggested the club has in-house closer candidates (Hector Rondon, Carl Edwards Jr.). “Whether we do that by adding a number of good relievers or whether we do it by adding a guy who’s a known closer, I’m not sure.”

On Monday, a known closer (Mark Melancon) cost the Giants a four-year, $62 million commitment. And Chapman is said to seek a six-year deal and more than $100 million.

“The postseason was reliever-centric,” Hoyer said. “Bullpens have always been really valuable, but with the way they were used and talked about, really not only this postseason but the last two or three, people are definitely putting a lot of financial importance on having a good bullpen.”

The Cubs?

“I think we see the value of it,” Hoyer said, citing the Cubs’ trade of their top prospect (Gleyber Torres) for Chapman in July. “By making that move I think we showed that we sort of agree with that to a certain extent.”

Cub chatter – The Cubs have decided against sending Kyle Schwarber to winter ball as a way to catch up on at-bats missed during a season spent rehabbing from reconstructive knee surgery. “I think he’s proved he can hit major-league pitching,” Hoyer said, referring to Schwarber’s dramatic return from the DL as a World Series DH (7-for-17, three walks). “He’s just going to continue the rehab and be full-go when we start spring training.” … The Cubs aren’t spending any of their focus on hitters for the big-league roster, but Hoyer said finding a capable catcher with some experience as depth at Class AAA is on the winter priority list. … Speaking of catchers, Hoyer downplayed Miguel Montero’s displeasure with his playing time this year and likes the fit of young Willson Contreras (as the starter) with the veteran Montero as a 2017 tandem.