New Cubs bring high expectations to the North Side

LHP Jon Lester: Lester signed the largest contract in franchise history (six years, $155 million) and rejoins Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, who were all together in Boston. Lester, 31, may be 0-for-36 at the plate in his career, but Cubs execs stressed to the lefty that he could be on the mound at Wrigley Field for the deciding game of the World Series. His signing signals a shift for the team from rebuild mode to contender.

LHP Drake Britton: Claimed off waivers on Feb. 4, Britton, 25, could fill a spot in the bullpen as a situational lefty. Epstein and Hoyer know Britton well, too. They drafted him in 2007 when with the Red Sox.

RHP Jason Hammel: Hammel, 32, is on the new guy list for the second straight year. The Cubs signed him to a one-year contract in February 2014, but flipped the right-hander in a trade with the Athletics last July. In December, Hammel re-signed with the Cubs, getting a two-year, $20 million deal this time. He did well in his first stint, going 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 17 starts.

RHP Jason Motte: Motte, 32, has spent his entire career with the Cardinals. Now, he'll be pitching for their rivals after signing a one-year deal. The right-hander led the NL with 42 saves in 2012, then missed all of 2013 after needing Tommy John surgery. Hector Rondon is projected as the closer but Motte also will provide late inning relief and be a valuable veteran presence.

C Miguel Montero: The Cubs tried to sign free agent Russell Martin, and when that fell through, they traded for a veteran catcher, sending two Minor League pitchers to the Diamondbacks for Montero, 31. The Cubs don't need him to bat .286, as he did in 2012, but are hoping for better numbers than last season when Montero hit .243.

Outlook: Montero will look to reverse recent decline

After recording at least 15 homers and 86 RBIs in '11 and ?12, Miguel Montero has since regressed due to a several factors, including injury

C David Ross: Lester thrived with Ross, 37, behind the plate, so why not sign the free agent catcher? Ross, who signed a two-year, $5 million deal, has a career .239 average playing in the NL compared to .195 in the AL. Where this leaves incumbent catcher Welington Castillo remains to be seen.

INF Tommy La Stella: The Cubs like La Stella's ability to get on base, and traded Arodys Vizcaino to the Braves to get the left-handed hitting infielder. Maddon likes to use everyone on the roster, and La Stella, 26, should find playing time in the infield.

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New Cubs bring high expectations to the North Side