Victor Reichman

Rizzo had trouble hitting LHP at the beginning but learned how to hit them. Busch should play daily except for occasional rest. He hit 4 HRs against lefties and how can he improve if he doesn't get real playing time against them. I liked his defense as well. Groom him to hit lefties.

Big gamble. I wouldn't have done it.

Tauchman is a reliable defender in corner positions and usually takes a good share of walks. He isn't spectacular, but was welcomed at Wrigley. I agree with the author.

Absolutely correct article. Hoerner was the overall MVP of position players, especially because PCA had a bad 2nd half. Hoerner was consistent. The Cubs should try to extend both Nico and PCA. Swanson did not have a good year either offensively or defensively. The talk of trading Nico is foolish. If anyone should be traded to a team in need of good defense up the middle it should be Dansby, altho some of his salary would have to be paid by the Cubs. He may have a no trade clause and he still fields well with some power. But, I would easily trade him before either Nico or Shaw.

Totally agree with the article.. He is far too valuable to trade. He should be extended as well as PCA. PCA had a very tough 2nd half, but extending him now makes sense.

Shaw can play 3B, SS, and 2B. Perhaps also in the OF as he certainly has the speed and hand eye coordination. It would be absolutely foolhardy to trade him as he has untapped potential. He is 2nd fastest behind PCA, tremendous defensively, hit 10 HR just in 2nd half and just needs to work on contact. When Tucker bombed in the 2nd half and post season, Shaw was there with offense and defense. Our IF and OF won us the Gold Glove for teams. Nico was our best player and it's shameful that he didn't make the 100 best players with his speed, defense and 2nd in BA in NL. He deserves an extension if he is willing. If not, Shaw will plug in nicely. We have enough to win, except perhaps against LAD.

Tucker was overrated from the outset. His fielding was adequate but not terrific. He collapsed in the 2nd half with injuries and poor performance. How does a .266 hitter, with 22 HR earn $60 million a year? That was a ridiculous signing, but it doesn't matter to the LAD who are ruining baseball and might be largely responsible for no MLB baseball in 2027. I don't care. Bring up minor leaguers till it is straightened out. Many are MLB ready, but blocked at their position. A firm salary cap is necessary for the bottom teams and top teams.

Any talk about trading Shaw would eventually bring us to comparisons of the Lou Brock trade. He is excellent defensively, best speed next to PCA, hit 10 HRs in 2nd half and will improve his contact rate.

Hoerner was easily the most consistent and best position player last year. He has been unreal in defense and was 2nd in NL in avg. I wish he would sign an extension now. If he doesn't want to remain a Cub and perhaps play for SF, his home area, I would consider only a blockbuster deal. I have full confidence in Shaw and he was an excellent fielder at 3B.Finished only 2nd to Hayes. He hit 10 HRs in the 2nd half and has speed. He also is inexpensive and can play 3b, SS or 2nd. He will only get better. To trade him would be beyond ignorant.

Nico is from the Bay Area and perhaps wants to go there. I would first offer him an extension which he deserves. He was by far the most consistent Cub, both on offense and defense which was amazing. He has speed and few strikeouts. The package would have to be overwhelming and I don't think SF has enough. He is a Cub treasure.

I like Bregman, fine player, but not for 5 yrs and $35/yr. Shaw is a better fielder, came in 2nd to Hayes, far faster, hit 10 HR in 2nd half, and is inexpensive. We had a Gold Glove IF last year. IMO, they offered Nico an extension which he refused and he wants to play for SF or LA. Clearly, best position player on team last year. Seems they might trade either him or Swanson. They must keep Shaw.

My comment apparently isn't posting. IGNORANT SIGNING. Shaw is actually a better fielder, far more speed, 10 Hr in 2nd half and inexpensive. Bregman is an excellent player, but 32, slowing down, and 5 yrs at $35 yr. is too long and too much, esp. with the possibility of a shutdown in 2027.

IGNORANT SIGNING ! We have an excellent 3B in Shaw, who is a slightly better fielder, far more speed and low cost. $35 mil a yr till he is 37+ at that level is unconscionable. Don't get me wrong, Bregman is a really good player, but not for 5 yrs/$35 mil when he is 32. Ready to puke. Thankfully, the Bears had a miracle comeback to soften the news of this foolish signing.

Taillon was a good performer last year. He is a vet that is also a great clubhouse guy. I hope he stays in the rotation.

As much as I respect Bregman, it is foolish to spend mega millions on a long term deal when we have Shaw, who IMO is as good if not better in the field, much faster and obviously millions cheaper. He hit 10HR in the 2nd half and this was his first yr. He should progress even more next year. Boras is a greedy grinder. Long term deals rarely work out. I would never sign Bichette. Less than average fielder and again it would take a long term contract with mega millions.