The Chicago Cubs are cautiously optimistic as they plot their path forward following a post-rebuild resurgence that has stabilized their team after a challenging 2021 season. While the 71-91 record that year prompted a strategic sell-off under the stewardship of Cubs president Jed Hoyer, the team has bounced back with consecutive 83-win seasons, signaling a trend of steady improvement.
A Foundation of Stability
In a league where roster fluidity is commonplace, the Cubs have managed to secure a stable foundation with every position-player starter under contract for the 2024 season. This stability allows them to approach the offseason with a degree of flexibility that wasn’t present during the rebuild phase. Notably, Cody Bellinger's decision to exercise his player option further anchors this lineup heading into the next season.
Free Agency Strategy
The Cubs are adopting a conservative approach in the free agency market. Despite some speculation, they are not expected to actively chase major stars like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. This decision reflects their strategic intent to build from within, capitalizing on a deep farm system while maintaining their current squad's core. The offseason doesn't pose significant losses to free agency, offering them a stable platform from which they can execute their carefully crafted plans.
Offensive and Defensive Performance
Analyzing the Cubs’ recent performance, their 12th rank in runs and 10th in on-base percentage suggest a solid offensive presence, although their power numbers leave room for improvement. Last season, no player crossed the 25-home run mark, landing the Cubs in the 21st spot for home runs league-wide. In contrast, their pitching rotation excelled, ranking sixth in ERA, demonstrating a strong backbone for the team's competitive edge.
Dansby Swanson stands out as a pivotal contributor with a team-leading 4.0 WAR last season, underlining his value as a linchpin within the squad's structure.
Potential Trades and Prospects
While the team is not aggressively pursuing top-tier free agents, the Cubs are still exploring trades that could bolster their lineup. Players like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Jameson Taillon have emerged as potential trade pieces, allowing the team to fill gaps or elevate their competitive stance by acquiring talents such as Max Fried, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby.
Additionally, the interest in Roki Sasaki shows the Cubs' commitment to augmenting their pitching prowess. Meanwhile, behind the plate, Miguel Amaya serves as a bridge to Moises Ballesteros, a prospect expected to make a significant impact upon his eventual arrival.
Free Agent Considerations
Despite a conservative approach, the Cubs' interest in bolstering their roster might see them explore options like Travis d’Arnaud, a free-agent catcher who could provide depth and experience. Anthony Santander’s newly acquired free agent status could also be intriguing, although high-profile targets like Rafael Devers remain unlikely acquisitions due to financial and strategic constraints.
For Cubs fans, the future promises a team that is thoughtfully built, maintaining a strong internal core while intelligently exploring external options to create a competitive team for 2024 and beyond. The franchise’s measured approach in this offseason reflects a commitment to sustainable success, aiming to spark a resurgence reminiscent of their recent glory days.