The Chicago Cubs almost lost out on an unexpected postseason spot last year. With that in mind, they sought to improve their roster this summer in order to resume significant October baseball in 2024.
Not only did they recruit free agents such as Shota Imanaga, Cody Bellinger, and Hector Neris, but they also hired Craig Counsell, one of the top managers in the game, to lead their team, snatching him from the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Cubs appeared to have a good chance of making the playoffs this season. An 18-12 record at the end of April further strengthened that belief. Unfortunately, the Cubs finished the first half four games below.500 and started the second half by losing two of three at home to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
They’re now 48-53 and in fourth place in the National League Central. They’re only 3.5 games behind the third Wild Card slot, but they’d need to outperform five other teams to get in. FanGraphs gave them an 8.4 percent chance of making the playoffs, and with each loss, those chances become less.
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the Cubs needed to decide which route they wanted to go. Unsurprisingly, Cubs president Jed Hoyer announced that, absent an unusual winning streak, they will be selling.
Cubs indicate that they’re looking toward the future with the trade deadline nearing.
Sure, if the Cubs win six or seven games in a row, Chicago’s executive staff may reconsider, but otherwise, selling is unquestionably the proper move.
This Cubs team has demonstrated throughout the season that it lacks the necessary talent to compete in the postseason, and they have an unbelievable number of holes that Hoyer would have to fill if they purchased.
Chicago’s rotation is strong, but their bullpen is poor at best, ranking third in the majors with 18 blown saves this season. Their lineup, while talented, has disappointed, notably on the power play. They are ranked 19th in runs scored and 24th in home runs entering Monday’s games. That is simply not good enough.
This stance taken by Hoyer implies that rentals such as Kyle Hendricks and Hector Neris will almost certainly be made available. It also means they will not be looking to sign free agents this offseason.
The Cubs are waving the white flag this season, but they will undoubtedly look to compete next season and beyond. They can trade for players under club control as well as prospects who will benefit them in the near future. All Hoyer’s statements imply is that the Cubs will not acquire rentals.
It will be intriguing to watch whoever the Cubs deal in the following days. They have little to offer in terms of contract expiration. However, they can aim to trade players with greater club control in order to maximize value in what appears to be a seller’s market.
Leave a Reply