The Chicago Cubs have been navigating a strategy of rebuilding and steady improvement under the guidance of president Jed Hoyer. After a challenging 2021 season that saw the team finish with a 71-91 record and a subsequent roster shake-up, the organization is seeing the pieces fall into place for a more stable future.
Building Stability
The Cubs completed the last season with a couple of 83-win seasons, signaling incremental progress. The current roster showcases stability with each position-player starter secured under contract for the upcoming 2024 season. This solid foundation is crucial as the team looks to sustain competitiveness without significant roster turnover due to free agency.
One notable decision has been made by Cody Bellinger, who opted to exercise his player option, ensuring his presence for the next season. While this maintains continuity within the team, it also reflects the confidence Bellinger has in the evolving Cubs lineup.
Evaluating Offensive and Defensive Performance
Offensively, the Cubs held their own with a ranking of 12th in runs scored and 10th in on-base percentage last year. However, the team struggled to deliver long balls, finishing 21st in home runs, with no individual player surpassing the 25-homer mark. This gap in power hitting underscores a potential area for development as they aim to amplify their offensive punch.
In contrast, the pitching rotation emerged as a standout component of the team's performance. Ranking sixth in ERA and 12th in innings pitched, the Cubs pitching staff boasts a strong foundation to build upon. Dansby Swanson's contribution, leading the team in WAR with a 4.0 rating, epitomizes the quality and reliability within the current squad.
Exploring Trade Opportunities
While the Cubs are not positioned to make aggressive pursuits of high-profile free agents such as Juan Soto, they are open to exploring the trade market. Potential trade pieces, like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Jameson Taillon, might be explored to offset their shortage in power or strengthen other areas.
In terms of trade targets, the Cubs are exploring names like Max Fried, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Nathan Eovaldi, and Walker Buehler to enhance their pitching prowess. Additionally, there's burgeoning interest in Japanese phenomenon Roki Sasaki, a sign of the Cubs' ambition to bolster their ranks with fresh, dynamic talent.
Depth and Developing Talent
The Cubs have another significant asset that could shape their future— a deeply talented farm system. This is not only a buffer that offers additional talent but also gives them the flexibility to make trades without depleting the roster of its emergent talent. The steady rise of prospects like catcher Moises Ballesteros, with Miguel Amaya serving as the bridge to Ballesteros's potential arrival in the major leagues, exemplifies this depth.
Free Agency Considerations
Given their substantial young talent, the Cubs might approach this free agency period with caution. While Anthony Santander has entered free agency and Rafael Devers is seen as a high-profile player they're unlikely to pursue, discussions have opened around Travis d'Arnaud as a plausible addition, potentially enriching their catching roster.
Altogether, the Cubs are taking measured steps to secure a competitive edge in the MLB while fostering talent within. As the club continues with its strategic maneuvers, the contributions of the deep farm system alongside savvy player movements will play a pivotal role in aiming for playoff contention in the near future.