In the wake of a transformative strategy initiated by Cubs president Jed Hoyer in 2021, the Chicago Cubs are emerging with a renewed identity. Coming off a lackluster 71-91 record, Hoyer's decision to initiate a significant sell-off momentarily unhinged the team, but it set the foundation for restructuring. Now, the Cubs stand as a team in transition, with promises of stability and potential on the horizon.
Building from Stability
The current roster composition is a testament to the sense of stability that Hoyer aimed to cultivate. All position-player starters are under contract for the upcoming 2024 season, providing a semblance of continuity that has been elusive in past years. However, as reassuring as this stability may be, it's accompanied by questions about the team's offensive firepower.
Despite ranking a respectable 12th in runs and boasting the 10th best on-base percentage last season, the Cubs fell short in the power department. They finished 21st in home runs, with no player exceeding the 25-homer mark. This lack of power highlights an area in desperate need of attention if the Cubs intend to regain prominence in the fiercely competitive National League Central division.
Cody Bellinger's Decision and Free Agent Strategy
A focal point of the Cubs' roster is Cody Bellinger, who has chosen to exercise his player option. His decision reflects confidence in the franchise's direction and an endorsement of its long-term vision. However, in an intriguing twist, the Cubs are not forecasted to fire aggressively into the market for major free agents like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. Instead, they appear resolute in maintaining their trajectory without making ostentatious moves.
Reassuringly for the Cubs, they are not heavily burdened by impending free agency losses, allowing them to focus on selective enhancements rather than compensating for significant departures. Among the names floating in the free-agent sphere, Travis d'Arnaud stands out as a viable option for augmenting the team's depth.
Pursuing Pitching Excellence
The Cubs' pitching staff showcased commendable resilience last season, securing the sixth position in ERA while ranking 12th in innings pitched. The combination of this existing capability with the potential acquisition of high-level talent could position the Cubs' rotation among the elite in the league. Names like Max Fried, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Nathan Eovaldi, and Walker Buehler are circulating as possible trade targets, indicating the Cubs' ambition to bolster their pitching ranks further.
In preparation for the future, the Cubs' farm system remains deep and promising, casting a hopeful light on the organization's prospects. As a bridge to their burgeoning talent pipeline, catcher Miguel Amaya is anticipated to steady the catching position until prospect Moises Ballesteros makes his arrival.
Potential Trade Dynamics
Much speculation surrounds the potential trade maneuvers the Cubs might engage in. Players like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Jameson Taillon are considered to be possible trade pieces, which could lead to strategic exchanges aimed at securing pivotal additions. In this context of aggressive restructuring, Raphael Devers perhaps represents the pinnacle of improbability for the Cubs due to his perceived high-profile status.
Adding an international flavor to the mix is Roki Sasaki, a name catching the eye of MLB teams, including the Cubs. His profile could imbue the roster with a unique blend of talent and international intrigue.
As the Cubs continue their strategic renovation, fans watch eagerly, hopeful that the organizational reconfiguration will translate into a tangible return to form. With the blend of strategic patience, emerging prospects, and a tactical approach to trading, the Cubs are drawing the blueprint for a new era—a period of promise, stability, and growth.