After a strategic overhaul in 2021, the Chicago Cubs are entering a new era of stability and growth. Following a 71-91 record that year, team president Jed Hoyer made the decisive call to trade away key assets, setting the franchise on a course towards re-establishing its footing in Major League Baseball.
In the years since, the Cubs have seen the fruits of their strategic pivot, achieving back-to-back 83-win seasons. As the Cubs look ahead to the 2024 season, there's an air of optimism surrounding a roster brimming with potential and consistency. Not only is each position-player starter under contract, but key figures such as Cody Bellinger have opted into their player options, solidifying the Cubs’ lineup.
Strategic Restraint in Free Agency
Despite this promising outlook, the Cubs have opted for a prudent approach in the upcoming free agency period. Unlike in past years when the team aggressively pursued marquee names, the Cubs are not expected to chase high-profile free agents like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes this time around. The decision aligns with a strategy that values sustainable growth over splashy signings.
Even though there's no need for a major free-agent overhaul, the Cubs are well-positioned with most of their lineup intact and minimal losses expected in free agency. This steadiness is reinforced by a strong offensive unit, which ranked 12th in runs scored and 10th in on-base percentage last season. However, there remains a noticeable gap in power hitting, with the team only ranking 21st in home runs and lacking a single player exceeding 25 homers for the season.
Rotation Strength and Notable Contributions
On the pitching front, the Cubs boast a rotation that ranked a commendable sixth in ERA over the last season, though it only managed to secure the 12th spot in innings pitched. A standout contributor was shortstop Dansby Swanson, who tallied a team-leading 4.0 WAR, showcasing his pivotal role in the Cubs' efforts on the field.
Looking towards future enhancements, the Cubs’ deep farm system remains a reserve of talent with potential opportunities for trades. Players like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Jameson Taillon present as possible trade chips, offering flexibility for acquiring additional talent.
Potential Trade and Acquisition Strategies
Potential trade targets, discussed in baseball circles, include pitchers such as Max Fried, Logan Gilbert, and Walker Buehler among others. With notable talent like Roki Sasaki capturing the attention of MLB franchises, including the Cubs, the team may consider bolstering its rotation with young, high-caliber arms.
At catcher, Miguel Amaya presently serves as a bridge until the arrival of highly touted prospect Moises Ballesteros. Additionally, with Anthony Santander entering free agency and Rafael Devers unlikely to be pursued by the club, the Cubs could consider Travis d'Arnaud as an affordable and reliable free-agent catch, enhancing their depth behind the plate.
As the Cubs navigate these offseason waters, they must balance between leveraging their current roster's stability and strategically adding new talent. Their cautious approach, rooted in long-term vision rather than short-term gains, bodes well for continued competitiveness in the seasons ahead.