Chicago Cubs

World Series champion Cubs have found their replacement for Aroldis Chapman

Published Dec. 9, 2016 1:11 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

The Chicago Cubs have a new ninth-inning man after completing a deal to acquire Wade Davis from the Kansas City Royals. Outfielder Jorge Soler goes to the Royals in the trade.

Davis, 31, saved 27 games for the Royals this past season, striking out 47 batters in 43.1 innings with a 1.87 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Over the past three seasons, his 1.18 ERA leads all qualified major-league relievers. Over that span, he has allowed only three homers in 182.2 innings and has converted 47 of 54 save opportunities.

The one concern: Davis spent two stints on the disabled list last season because of a forearm strain.

With Davis aboard, the Cubs are almost certainly out of the market to re-sign free agent Aroldis Chapman, who served as their closer after being acquired in late July. It also means former closer Hector Rondon will remain in a setup role in Chicago’s bullpen.

Davis is under contract through only the 2017 season, when he will make $10 million.

Soler, 24, hit .238/.333/.436 with 12 homers and 31 RBI in 86 games in 2016. In three seasons in the majors, he has hit .258/.328/.434 with 27 homers and 98 RBI. Soler has four seasons remaining on a nine-year, $30 million contract.

It's official: #Cubs get Wade Davis from #Royals for Jorge Soler.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2016

Wade Davis in great position. If he has a big year with #Cubs, he will enter free-agent market with going rate for closers soaring higher.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2016