Chicago Cubs

With about a month left to go in the MLB regular season, I took a crack at predicting the Cubs' 2015 Opening Day roster. While a lot remains unchanged, there are a lot of new players who have been added to the mix this offseason. 

With spring training just around the corner and the new year being rung in, it feels like the MLB offseason is over. However, for the Chicago Cubs, like most other teams in the league, there is still some work to be done. Even though the bulk of Chicago's offseason moves have likely already been made, it will still look to improve its 2015 roster.

Through their signing of Jon Lester, trade for Miguel Montero and other various moves this offseason, the Chicago Cubs have made one thing clear: They plan to compete starting in 2015. Whether they're truly competitive this upcoming season remains to be seen, but for the first time in several years, the team actually has an expectation of success.

Though 2015 doesn't officially begin until January 1, the Chicago Cubs have already kicked off their 2015 by making a huge splash in free agency and a few trades during the 2014-15 offseason.

The Chicago Cubs have been very active this offseason after starting off slow, adding catcher Miguel Montero via trade and pitchers Jon Lester, Jason Hammel and Jason Motte via free agen

On the same day the Chicago Cubs officially announced they signed Jon Lester, the team is reportedly shoring up the bullpen.    

According to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, the Cubs agreed to a one-year deal with veteran reliever Jason Motte:

The Chicago Cubs officially introduced starting pitcher Jon Lester as the newest member of the organization on Monday afternoon.    

Fox Sports: MLB captured the moment on Twitter:

After being disappointing for most of the offseason by missing out on a couple coveted free agents, the Chicago Cubs made their first major free-agent splash in five years. That splash, of course, was the six-year, $155 million contract they signed ace Jon Lester to at the winter meetings.

The Chicago Cubs aren't messing around. If that wasn't clear already, the first day of Major League Baseball's winter meetings in San Diego brought it into sharp, undeniable focus. 

While the Chicago Cubs are still trying to make key signings on the free-agent market, when the front office makes its way to the MLB winter meetings Monday, it will also be looking to make some trades. The Cubs have already been linked to several deals this offseason and could be interested in several more.