North Side Baseball

Every offseason, we offer our You’re The GM! tool to build your ideal Cubs roster. This year, we’ve updated and streamlined the tool a bit to improve the experience. The idea behind this feature is to give fans a chance to play the role of General Manager (or CBO or PoBO… you get the idea) for their favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. It’s meant to give fans the opportunity to discuss (and, let’s be honest, argue) how they would approach the long, dark MLB offseason. This tool is intended to be informal and fun, so we’ve left it as open as possible. There is a payroll “budget” that loosely resembles the Cubs 2026 payroll, but there is no penalty for going over that number. It’s a guideline, nothing more. Second, you can submit as many blueprints as you like throughout the offseason. As the offseason landscape changes, users often return multiple times over the winter and create new blueprints. Before we get into the breakdown of the tool, you can save your blueprint and come back to it at any time. The only restriction is that you must register an account on the site to create a blueprint (so we can save a draft for you and also post the blueprint for others to discuss). Create an account on DiamondCentric.net, then return here, log in using those credentials, and get to creating your 2027 blueprint! Let’s get into the tool itself. It has four quadrants that work best if addressed in a counter-clockwise order (this tool works much better on a desktop due to its complexity, but it will work on mobile devices if need be). Top Left: The 26-Man Roster We have created a rough guideline for the Cubs 26-man roster. The roster is flexible; you can add or remove players as you see fit. We’ve also included either guaranteed salaries or, in the case of arbitration and contract options, the recommendations of MLB Trade Rumors. This section is where you build your roster and make changes based on the following two sections. As you make changes to players and salaries, the total payroll number (right side of the screen) will change, allowing you to track your budget on the fly. The bottom field in both columns is for any dead money you assume during the course of your offseason. Acquiring dead money should be uncommon, but we want to give users the option to take on dead salary if it suits their purposes. Bottom Left: Arbitration & Trade Decisions Here, you will find a selection of arbitration options and internal options (usually from the 40-man roster or minor leagues) to assist in building your offseason roster. On the right-hand side of this column, you will see Trade Candidates, a list of the 40 players most likely to be traded this offseason, again per MLB Trade Rumors. To help you get up to speed with these candidates, we offer a direct link to the MLBTR write-up on trade candidates. Bottom Right: Free Agents Here, you will find the top 75 free agents according to our rankings on DiamondCentric. These are sorted by position to facilitate quickly finding your desired free agent and include the recommended salary for that player. Because this is a blueprint for a single year, we only include their projected salary for the coming season, not the number of years, deferrals, or anything else. Top Right: Dead Money, Your Total Payroll, & Commentary The only unalterable field on the page is Dead Money; it is players to whom the team has committed money but has no reasonable way to get out of the contract. Below that, you will see the recommended budget, your current total, and the percentage you are over or under that budget. Again, keep in mind the budget is only a guideline, and you can go above it as much as you like… But defend your choices, coward! The following field is Title, which gives other users an idea of what to expect with your blueprint (e.g., Be Unreasonable, Sign Tarik Skubal!). When your blueprint posts for other users, it will read “Your Username’s 2027 Payroll Blueprint: Be Unreasonable, Sign Tarik Skubal!”. The following field is Your Comments & Explanation, a long-form field meant to type out the rationale behind your decisions. Here is the place to fully explain your trades (including which players are leaving the Cubs to bring in new players), why you targeted specific free agents, and any promotions from the minors you advocate or any options you declined to extend to a specific player. This is often multiple paragraphs; you can write up as much detail as you desire. That’s it, you’re done! At this point, you can either publish your blueprint to the forums or save it for later if you feel it’s incomplete. Thank you for joining us at North Side Baseball. I hope you enjoy playing the role of general manager, at least for a moment! Start Your Payroll Blueprint Now View full article

The North Side Baseball forums remained active as fans turned their attention to the postseason and the Cubs' future. This week's Forum Friday highlights four threads: discussions on the Brewers' playoff run, debates over the Cubs' potential free-agent and trade targets, analysis of the team's offseason budget, and conversations about the Cubs' 2026 AFL roster and draft strategy. Are you exhausted by algorithmic internet "discussion"? Tired of seeing posts that are meant only to anger you, bait you into a response, or find yet another way to extract your personal data? Come join the conversation on the human-moderated North Side Baseball forums, where you can talk Cubs baseball without the constant barrage of misinformation, hot takes and loudmouths. Joining is free: create an account at diamondcentric.net, then use that same login here to comment. Non-Cub Playoff Megathread Chit-Chat Posts centered on the Braves' 3-run home run in the 8th inning and the sparse attendance in Atlanta, with many noting the Brewers' 9-1 playoff record and their ability to overcome early deficits. Fans discussed Milwaukee's aggressive hitting, including Front Row Amy's enthusiastic presence, and compared the Brewers' resilience to the 2016 Cubs' playoff runs. Some praised the drama and unpredictability of the series, while others expressed frustration with the Brewers' tendency to give up early runs. Cubs Pre-Offseason Mega Thread The Cubs Pre-Offseason Mega Thread sparked discussion on the team's prospects, with members debating potential free-agent signings and trade targets. Many focused on the rotation, suggesting signings like Peralta, Holmes, or Peterson, while others questioned the viability of players like Steele, Cabrera, and Horton. There was consensus that the Cubs lack the capital to pursue Detmers, with some advocating for cheaper, moldable starters instead. Opinions split on Horton's future, with some believing he should remain a starter and others pushing for a bullpen role. Cubs Offseason Mega Thread Cubs fans discussed the team's offseason plans, focusing on free agency and trades, especially for starting pitchers and corner outfielders. Posts mentioned potential free agents like Skubal, Rogers, and Arozarena, with some suggesting the Cubs might target one high-end bullpen arm. There was debate over the team's budget, with some estimating the 2027 salary threshold at around $250 million and others predicting closer to $270 million. AFL 2026 Discusses the Cubs' 2026 AFL roster and draft strategy, focusing on potential rotation members like Townsend, Florentino, Mule, Reid, Coppola, and Chase Meyer. Posts debate whether the Cubs should prioritize drafting more pitchers to address attrition, with some arguing for a balanced approach and others pushing for a pitcher-heavy strategy. The forum notes the return of international talent and suggests the Cubs may lean toward more pitching in the draft, though opinions remain split on the optimal balance. It's another great day to be a Cubs fan at North Side Baseball! View full article

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis from around the internet. The pieces cover Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP candidacy, Miguel Useche's AFL performance, free agency decisions, Jed Hoyer's season grade, the Brewers' rising threat, and Colin Rea's role with the team. Which Cubs can take home hardware? (MLB.com). Argues that Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic 2024 season, including 45 homers, 41 steals, and a 10.6 WAR, makes him a strong MVP candidate, while other Cubs players like Alex Bregman, Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ are contending for Gold Gloves, All-MLB Team, and other honors. Cubs' catching prospect makes most of opportunity once again, this time in the AFL (MLB.com). Notes how Miguel Useche, a Cubs catching prospect, overcame challenges in independent ball and the minor leagues to excel in 2026 with a .281/.372/.468 line, 13 homers, and a 122 wRC+ in 89 games, showcasing his resilience and adaptability. Cubs Free Agents: Who Stays and Who Goes? (Just Baseball). Notes the Cubs' decisions on impending free agents, highlighting Seiya Suzuki's value with 4.5 fWAR and defensive improvements, Clay Holmes' potential return due to his groundball rate, and Ian Happ's controversial status due to struggles against left-handed pitching. Giving Jed Hoyer an end-of-season grade as Cubs look ahead to a chaotic winter (Cubbies Crib). Argues that Jed Hoyer's 2026 season was a mixed bag, noting the Cubs' 89-win campaign, injuries decimating the pitching staff, and underwhelming performances from key additions like Edward Cabrera, Clay Holmes, and Kevin Gausman, despite aggressive moves during the trade deadline. Cubs could lose their one NL Central advantage thanks to Brewers' World Series run (Cubbies Crib). Notes that the Cubs' financial advantage over NL Central rivals may shrink as the Brewers close the payroll gap, citing $250M for the Cubs vs. $146M for Milwaukee in 2026, and the Brewers' recent success under Matt Arnold and strong farm system. A few thoughts about the Cubs and Colin Rea (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Notes that Colin Rea is a versatile but inconsistent pitcher who served as a sixth starter and long reliever for the Cubs, citing his 2025 contract, recent limited usage, and comparison to Terry Mulholland.

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers Cubs prospect Owen Ayers' rise, a potential CJ Abrams trade, historical disappointments, and Hunter Harvey's underwhelming 2026 season. From High-A to Wrigley: A Cubs prospect's remarkable rise (MLB.com). Notes the rapid rise of Cubs prospect Owen Ayers, who moved from High-A to the MLB clubhouse in 2026, posting a .289/.403/.526 slash line, 25 home runs, and leading the Cubs' farm system in OPS (.929) and wRC+ (143) among players with at least 250 plate appearances. This CJ Abrams trade proposal could push Cubs into uncomfortable territory (Cubbies Crib). Notes a trade scenario where the Cubs could pursue CJ Abrams, arguing that while unlikely due to high cost and the Nationals' demand for pitching prospects, such a move could bolster their outfield depth if paired with aggressive free-agent spending on pitching. 25 biggest disappointments in Cubs history that still sting Chicago fans today (Cubbies Crib). Notes 25 disappointing moments in Cubs history, including a 40-year playoff drought, the 2024 near-miss, trading Rafael Palmeiro, the 2020 Wild Card loss to the Marlins, Sammy Sosa's corked bat incident, Corey Patterson's injury, the 2019 collapse that ended Joe Maddon's tenure, and the 2023 September collapse. A few thoughts about the Cubs and Hunter Harvey (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Argues that Hunter Harvey's 2026 performance with the Cubs was underwhelming, noting he recorded 12 outs in 18 batters faced across four games, costing the team $6 million, and advises Jed Hoyer to avoid similar signings.

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis from around the internet. The roundup covers Cubs prospects like Dominick Reid, pitching priorities, Jacob Webb's contract decision, Seiya Suzuki's re-signing potential, and evaluations of Shōta Imanaga and Webb's inconsistent performances. Cubs' 2025 third-rounder Reid running with six-pitch arsenal in Fall League (MLB.com). Notes that Cubs' 2025 third-rounder Dominick Reid, now the club's No. 28 prospect, has expanded from a two-pitch hurler to a six-pitch arsenal in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 14 in 12 innings and showcasing an elite changeup that accounted for 66 of his 112 strikeouts in college. Here’s why pitching is Cubs’ top priority this offseason (MLB.com). Argues that rebuilding the Cubs' pitching staff is a top priority this offseason, citing injuries and poor performance in 2026, with key free agents including David Peterson, Kevin Gausman, Shota Imanaga, and Aaron Civale, along with contract options for Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, and Colin Rea. Cubs have an easy Jacob Webb contract decision despite his frustrating finish (Cubbies Crib). Argues the Cubs should pick up Jacob Webb's $2.5 million club option despite his poor finish, citing his strong 2026 season (3.36 ERA, 25.7% strikeout rate) and potential for effectiveness in a less demanding role. Cubs have a simple offseason solution that Seiya Suzuki's Gold Glove nod reinforces (Cubbies Crib). Argues that the Cubs should prioritize re-signing Seiya Suzuki despite financial challenges, citing his 2026 defensive improvements, including +14 Defensive Runs Saved and 4.6 fWAR, and his overall value as a key player. A few thoughts about the Cubs and Shōta Imanaga (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Notes the Cubs' complicated decision to make Shōta Imanaga a qualifying offer after he opted out of his five-year deal following a inconsistent 2026 season, highlighting his 24.6 percent strikeout rate, 5.2 percent walk rate, and 35 home runs allowed, along with his fluctuating performance across starts and venues. A few thoughts about the Cubs and Jacob Webb (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Notes that Jacob Webb's 2023 season with the Cubs was highly inconsistent, featuring a 3.36 ERA overall but marked by extreme fluctuations, including a 0.51 ERA over 17.2 innings and an 14.85 ERA over 6.2 innings, raising questions about whether the Cubs should exercise his 2027 option.

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers the first MLB game in Houston, Kris Bryant's uncertain future, the 25 greatest one-year wonders in Cubs history, and Tyrone Taylor's 2026 performance. Cubs historical sleuthing: The very first MLB game in Houston (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Notes a historical photo of the first pitch in the Houston Colt .45s' inaugural MLB game on April 11, 1962, featuring Bobby Shantz pitching to Lou Brock, who struck out; the article also questions the .353 batting average listed on the scoreboard, suggesting it may reflect Brock's 1962 spring training performance. Former Cubs star Kris Bryant gets another ominous sign about his MLB future from Rockies (Cubbies Crib). Notes the decline of Kris Bryant's MLB career due to recurring injuries, including a degenerative disc disease that caused him to miss the 2026 season, and cites Rockies president Paul DePodesta's statement that the team is preparing as if Bryant will not play in the final two years of his $182 million, seven-year contract. 25 greatest one-year wonders in Cubs history who disappeared almost as fast as they arrived (Cubbies Crib). Notes the 25 most notable one-year wonders in Cubs history, including players like Frank Schwindel (2021-2022, .342/.389/.613 in 56 games), Bryan LaHair (2011-2012, .288/.369/.534 before a .572 OPS post-All-Star break), and Mark Bellhorn (2002, 27 homers, .886 OPS before declining in 2003). A few thoughts about the Cubs and Tyrone Taylor (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Notes that Tyrone Taylor performed well as a platoon hitter and defensive outfielder for the Cubs in 2026, batting .351/.390/.500 in 82 plate appearances and showing strong defensive plays, despite being 33 and making $3.8 million.

Our Cubs fan forums remained active this week, with this Forum Friday rounding up four key threads. Discussions ranged from playoff action and the Cubs' upcoming offseason moves to Gold Glove nominations and potential labor issues in 2027. Topics included the Braves, White Sox, and Dodgers' postseason performances, Cubs free-agent targets, the Gold Glove finalists, and concerns over proposed changes to player contracts and minor league structures. Are you exhausted by algorithmic internet "discussion"? Tired of seeing posts that are meant only to anger you, bait you into a response, or find yet another way to extract your personal data? Come join the conversation on the human-moderated North Side Baseball forums, where you can talk Cubs baseball without the constant barrage of misinformation, hot takes, and loudmouths. Joining is free: create an account at diamondcentric.net, then use that same login here to comment. Non-Cub Playoff Megathread Chit-Chat Centered on the Braves' late-game rally and the White Sox's struggles in the playoffs, with posters discussing the Sox's 75 strikeouts across five games, Cleveland's resilience, and the Dodgers' reliance on Ohtani, whose postseason performance has been underwhelming. Many noted the Dodgers' dominance in recent World Series history and questioned the Brewers' improbable run. Opinions split on whether the Brewers would continue their success, while some expressed frustration with the Dodgers' roster moves and officiating calls. Cubs Pre-Offseason Mega Thread Focused on the Cubs' recent performance and offseason plans, with members analyzing the team's defensive consistency, run differential, and volatility. Discussions focused on free-agent priorities, including signing Peralta, King, Peterson, Holmes, and Suzuki, while debating whether to retain Happ or pursue Taylor Ward as a cheaper alternative. The room split on Ward's viability after a poor 2026 season, with some arguing for his lower cost and others doubting his ability to rebound. 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Finalists Announced; Cubs Unsurprisingly Land Five Nominees The 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove finalists were announced, with the Cubs having five nominees: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki. Fans discussed the likelihood of each player winning, with most believing Crow-Armstrong and Bregman would win, while Suzuki's first nomination drew praise for his strong defensive numbers. Some argued Corbin Carroll might edge Suzuki for right field, citing reputation and stats. Nico Hoerner's exclusion sparked debate, with some noting his short stint at shortstop likely hurt his chances. All The Owners Are So Bad In Multiple Ways - Work Stoppage 2027 Style A thread on potential labor issues in 2027 discusses owners' proposals for a salary cap, elimination of low-A minor league teams, and restrictions on drafting high school players, aiming to reduce player salaries and delay free agency. Posts highlight skepticism about a cap-floor system, noting small-market teams would likely oppose a $190M payroll floor, and question whether 23 owners would agree to such terms. It's another great day to be a Cubs fan at North Side Baseball! View full article