Stability and Strategy: The Cubs' Approach to the Upcoming MLB Season
The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a pivotal juncture following a transformative few years that saw the team move from rebuild to a position of stability. After concluding the 2021 season with a 71-91 record, the stage was set for significant changes. Cubs president Jed Hoyer's decision to implement a sell-off that year has seemingly paid dividends, leading the team to back-to-back 83-win seasons thereafter. Now, with every position-player starter secured under contract for 2024, the Cubs have a foundation upon which to build.
Despite securing a degree of stability, the Cubs are set to take a measured approach in the upcoming offseason, evident from their restrained strategy regarding major free-agent pursuits. While names like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes have captured the imaginations of fans and pundits alike, current projections indicate that the Cubs won't actively chase these high-profile targets. Instead, the franchise appears to have prioritized measured growth and long-term planning over splashy transactions.
Adding to the sense of consistency is Cody Bellinger's decision to exercise his player option, ensuring his continued presence in the lineup. Furthermore, the Cubs are not facing significant losses to free agency, allowing the team to maintain much of its current core as it heads into the next chapter.
Offensive Opportunities and Pitching Strength
Last season, the Cubs demonstrated respectable offensive metrics, ranked 12th in runs and 10th in on-base percentage. However, there is noticeable room for improvement in the power department, with no player hitting more than 25 homers, a stat that led to a 21st-place rank in home runs. This highlights a potential area of focus, should the Cubs look to tweak their roster. Dansby Swanson's team-leading 4.0 WAR underscores his vital role in the lineup as the team evaluates how to enhance its offensive capabilities.
Where the Cubs truly shined was in their starting pitching. Finishing sixth in ERA and 12th in innings pitched, the rotation emerged as a dependable component of the team's success. Nonetheless, with a deep farm system, the potential for trades remains a strategic option. This opens the door for acquiring talent that might not only bolster the pitching staff but could also introduce new dynamics within the roster overall.
Exploring Trade and Acquisition Options
To that end, potential trade pieces such as Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Jameson Taillon could be leveraged to secure promising talent. Names like Max Fried, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Nathan Eovaldi, and Walker Buehler have surfaced as intriguing trade targets. Furthermore, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki has garnered interest from MLB teams, including the Cubs, suggesting global scouting continues to be part of the Cubs' broader strategy.
Among position players, Rafael Devers, despite his high profile, appears unlikely to join the Cubs' ranks. However, possible opportunities emerge with free agents like Anthony Santander, who is now on the market. Meanwhile, to strengthen positions like catcher, Travis d'Arnaud is considered a viable option, providing a link until Moises Ballesteros, a highly-touted prospect, is ready to step onto the main stage.
The Road Ahead
With the groundwork laid and strategic plans in motion, the Cubs are poised to navigate the offseason with a balanced mix of caution and ambition. While they may not make the more noticeable splashes in free agency, their commitment to developing existing talent and exploring calculated trades is a clear indication of their long-term vision.
As the MLB offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how the Cubs' strategy unfolds. In the ever-competitive world of MLB, it's a fine balance between taking bold actions and making prudent decisions that secure future success. Underpinning all is an organizational commitment to maintaining a sturdy roster that offers stability and growth for the seasons to come.