Cubs looking to bolster back end of bullpen

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Will the Cubs have a new closer in 2017? It’s hard to say, general manager Jed Hoyer said Monday.

“I definitely think we’ll bolster the bullpen,” Hoyer said on the first day of baseball’s Winter Meetings. “Whether we do that by adding a number of good relievers or by adding a guy who’s a known closer, I’m not sure.”

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With Mark Melancon signing a four-year, $62 million deal with the Giants on Monday, and free agents Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen seeking mega deals of their own, the Cubs are more likely to trade for a closer. There were reports that they were one of several teams talking to the Royals about closer Wade Davis, a two-time All-Star who will be a free agent after the 2017 season.

Davis, 31, who is slated to earn $10 million next season, was a dominant set-up man for Greg Holland before shifting to closer following Holland’s injury. The right-hander has posted a 1.18 ERA with 47 saves over 185 games the past three seasons. Plus, Cubs manager Joe Maddon knows Davis from their time together in Tampa Bay (2009-2012).

The Cubs also have in-house options, including Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Carl Edwards Jr. Rondon and Strop both missed time in August because of injuries.

“I don’t think either [Rondon or Strop] was able to get …

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