As the Chicago Cubs chart their course towards the 2024 season, they are attempting to build on recent strides towards competitive stability. The Cubs finished the 2023 season with a solid 83 wins, a significant improvement from their 71-91 record in 2021 when team president Jed Hoyer initiated a major sell-off. While this steady progress signifies positive momentum, the Cubs remain judicious about their approach to the market and roster construction.
Cautious Approach to Free Agency
Among the considerations for the Cubs is a prudent approach to free agency. Despite the temptation of pursuing marquee names such as Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes, the Cubs are not expected to engage in high-profile bidding wars. Instead, they are focusing on maintaining cohesion within the current roster, which impressively features every position-player starter signed for the 2024 season.
One significant development is Cody Bellinger's decision to exercise his player option, further enhancing the team's stability. Although they will miss out on Anthony Santander, who has now entered free agency, the Cubs are not significantly impacted by free-agent departures this offseason.
Building from Within
The Cubs' offensive strategies have shown a need for more firepower. Although they ranked a respectable 12th in runs and 10th in on-base percentage last season, no player managed to hit more than 25 home runs, leaving them 21st in total home runs. However, this apparent shortcoming is counterbalanced by a quietly effective rotation, which ranked sixth in ERA and 12th in innings pitched.
Dansby Swanson emerged as a key contributor with a team-leading WAR of 4.0, reinforcing the importance of production from the existing roster while developing talent from within. The Cubs' farm system is notably deep, providing a promising pipeline for the future.
Trade Talks and Prospects
While maintaining internal strength, the Cubs are also exploring potential trades. Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Jameson Taillon are identified as potential trade chips, as the organization evaluates its options. On the radar as potential trade targets are Max Fried, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Nathan Eovaldi, and Walker Buehler—names that could inject the Cubs with the talent needed to push deeper into the postseason picture.
Another intriguing possibility is the interest surrounding Roki Sasaki, an MLB prospect from Japan whose potential has captured the attention of several teams, including the Cubs. Additionally, the future arrival of catching prospect Moises Ballesteros adds optimism, with Miguel Amaya serving as a bridge until Ballesteros is ready to step in.
The Road Ahead
Despite the prospect of new talent, the Cubs remain conscious of balancing their roster without overextending themselves in the market. High-profile players like Rafael Devers are considered unlikely acquisitions, aligning with the team's strategy of cautious investment complemented by strategic internal growth.
With Travis d'Arnaud highlighted as a free-agent option, the Cubs continue to explore intelligent roster additions that offer both experience and flexibility. The approach reflects a balance of caution and ambition, with eyes set firmly on returning to baseball's upper echelons.
As the 2024 season approaches, the combination of a stable core, calculated market engagement, and promising farm talent gives the Cubs a multi-faceted strategy aimed at reclaiming their competitive edge. The narrative for the Cubs is one of building on a solid foundation, with eyes keenly watching how this carefully crafted blueprint unfolds on the field.