A New Era of Stability for the Chicago Cubs
In the ever-volatile world of Major League Baseball, where fortunes can change in an off-season, the Chicago Cubs appear to have found a rare moment of stability. After enduring a challenging 71-91 season in 2021, the Cubs initiated a strategic sell-off under the stewardship of team president Jed Hoyer. The move, while initially painful for fans, has yielded back-to-back 83-win seasons, and now the franchise looks poised for further progress with a solid core of contracted players for the upcoming 2024 season.
The Cubs' roster stability is highlighted by the fact that every position-player starter is under contract for next year. This continuity allows the franchise not only to build on recent successes but also to strategically plan without the immediate urgency of major roster overhauls. Among the key players contributing to this steadiness is Cody Bellinger, who has exercised his player option, ensuring his return to the Cubs for the near future.
Strategic Approach in Free Agency
While some teams might look to shake things up by aggressively pursuing high-profile free agents, the Cubs are taking a different approach. They are not projected to be active in chasing after marquee names such as Juan Soto or Corbin Burnes. This strategic restraint is in part because the Cubs aren’t losing much to free agency, allowing them to focus their resources on existing assets and potential trades.
Of course, this doesn't mean the Cubs are resting on their laurels. They are exploring other avenues to strengthen their squad. Roki Sasaki has caught the attention of the scouting department, indicating the team’s interest in augmenting their roster with promising talent. Furthermore, free-agency options like Travis d'Arnaud are on the club's radar, potentially adding depth behind the plate.
Financial Footing and Farm System Strength
The Cubs’ decision to not engage in a spending spree on big stars is not just about caution. With a robust farm system, the franchise is investing in long-term development. This depth allows the Cubs the luxury of considering strategic trades, with possible trade pieces including Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Jameson Taillon. Meanwhile, they have their eyes on potential acquisitions like Max Fried, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Nathan Eovaldi, and Walker Buehler—players who could significantly bolster the club’s rotation.
On-field Performance Metrics
The Cubs’ performance metrics tell a story of gradual improvement with room to grow. Offensively, they ranked 12th in runs and 10th in on-base percentage last season, though the lack of power was evident as no player surpassed 25 home runs, landing them 21st in the league for homers. Maintaining offensive output while addressing power deficiencies will be key targets moving forward.
Pitching remains one of the Cubs' strengths, with their rotation ranking an impressive sixth in ERA and 12th in innings pitched. Dansby Swanson emerged as a leader on the field, his 4.0 WAR topping the team last season. These figures underscore a solid foundation around which to build more comprehensive success next season.
As the Cubs navigate their off-season strategy, they appear poised for continued growth and competitive play in the coming years. While the chase for titles is still a work in progress, the combination of experienced starters, farm system potential, and strategic acquisitions and trades position them as a team to watch as they strive to reestablish their prominence in MLB.