Tim

Bedard is already really good and he's still a teenager. Of course, even at their peaks, Toews and Kane didn't come close to Bears/Cubs/Bulls levels of publicity. But if the Cubs extend Tucker, he'll be the face of the franchise.

If they're not in the states within 4-5 years, they're never making it to the states.

I feel like Gemini may not have the answers

The Cubs need to address several key areas to improve their chances of contending in 2025. Here's a breakdown of their priorities: * Reinforce the Rotation: * Target: A top-tier starting pitcher. * Why: While the Cubs have promising young arms, adding a proven ace or a high-impact #2 starter would significantly bolster their rotation. * Potential Targets: Depending on availability and price, consider pitchers like: * Shohei Ohtani (if he's available): A generational talent, but incredibly expensive. * Lucas Giolito: A strong mid-rotation option with upside. * Blake Snell: An electric but sometimes inconsistent pitcher. * Bolster the Bullpen: * Target: High-leverage relievers. * Why: The bullpen was a major weakness in 2024. They need reliable arms for high-pressure situations. * Potential Targets: Look for experienced closers or setup men with strong track records. * Consider Offensive Upgrades: * Target: A power hitter or a consistent run producer. * Why: While the Cubs have some offensive potential, adding another impact bat could make their lineup more potent. * Potential Targets: Explore options like: * Shohei Ohtani (if he's available): Provides both hitting and pitching power. * J.D. Martinez: A veteran slugger with a proven track record. * Trade options: Explore potential trades for impact hitters. * Address Catching Depth: * Target: A reliable backup catcher or a potential upgrade at the starting position. * Why: Catching depth is crucial for any successful team. Important Considerations: * Budget: The Cubs have the financial flexibility to make significant moves. * Prospects: Integrate top prospects into the major league roster when they're ready. * Long-term vision: Build a sustainable winning culture for years to come. Disclaimer: This is just one possible approach. The actual moves the Cubs make will depend on various factors, including player availability, market conditions, and the team's overall strategic goals. I hope this analysis helps!

Not the same kind of free agent.

The only way I'd commit to Burnes is if Ricketts is okay with being well over the cap next season. And even then I'd do it with the full intention of trading him before he hits the back half of his contract. It's not the dollars that bother me, it's the term. Very few big pitcher contracts work out well in the long term.

My assumption was they got to medicals and the Cubs didn't like them.

Sometimes you just don't want to let a buyer off the hook, too.

We could really use Brown & Horton getting and staying healthy. That would answer a lot of questions in the rotation going forward.

At least several people were trying to excuse Robert's performance at the deadline because he was on such an awful White Sox team. How much leniency are people willing to give Moncada for the same reason? Personally, I argued against that back then and I'm not really interested in giving Moncada any slack for it, either.

Just wait 'til we land Sasaki

I think most people use the RosterResource section in FanGraphs. If you're looking for more formal feedback about it, though, feel free to create a poll to see the actual counts of what people pick.

I think they add another SP and still work their butts off to get Sasaki. You really can't have too much pitching in today's MLB

Contreras doesn't count since he was a FA after 2022. So they had three spots covered with actual players. They had two starting pitchers and...stuff on the mound. There's a reason they finished 74-88

Hey now...some are saying that the Cubs have had a pretty good roster for years now.

Now defend the part where they had a, in your words, "pretty good overall" roster without using any of those moves that you don't care for.

Wait...The Cubs have had a pretty good overall roster for three offseasons? The 2022 team had: Nico Happ Seya Steele Stroman and...whom? For as much as you complain about the team, the management, the roster, etc., I find it stunning to see you say this. If they had a "pretty good overall" roster in 2024, didn't they need to make some moves that were better than "meh" in 2022 & 2023? I'm so confused.

If we could get Luzardo with Triantos as the main piece, I'm doing that deal before the Marlins GM can hang up the phone. Jed looks to be Dodger-izing the staff. Have a few anchor guys you're looking for 150+ innings from. But then a bunch of really good arms to mix and match when they're healthy, and enough of them to give rest and keep them that way. And a healthy Luzardo is absolutely the kind of guy you want in the rotation for a playoff series.

I'd like to second this post as something I was curious about, as well. If Long could even be playable at 3B, he's a much more interesting prospect.

Opening Day

According to the post above yours, apparently we traded someone named Wednesday to the Astros for Kyle Tucker!

Yep. Love the name, tho

I'd get someone for the bench who can play 3B, but I'm team Shaw on OD.

With who they have now, it would likely be Shaw

If we trade Paredes, I'm going to want to sign someone who is 3B capable. But Shaw would be my opening day starter. I'd shield him a bit on matchups, but I'm greedy. I want the draft pick if he ends up winning ROY. At least give it a chance to happen.