Bears News: The offseason starts fast with Bellinger, Rizzo news |
The World Series is now officially over, and teams are beginning the early phases of deciding whose contracts to renew and decline. The Chicago Cubs already have one of their answers to that question, as outfielder Cody Bellinger has decided to opt in to his $27.5 million salary for the upcoming season.
While not having a great season like the previous year, Cody Bellinger still brings veteran leadership and a solid bat that can help this offense move forward. One of the Chicago Cubs' biggest issues last season was an offense that seemed to go dormant for long stretches at a time. The big question this offseason is going to be: Just how do Jed Hoyer and company get an offensive upgrade while not hampering the development of their talented young players, such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch? One option available to the Cubs is that Michael Busch can play multiple positions. This gives the Cubs the flexibility to acquire a big bat to man first base while Michael Busch slides around the infield. Last season saw Seiya Suzuki become comfortable in the DH spot, and I assume that is where he will play this upcoming season as better fielders are available for the Cubs. Nico Hoerner will be more of a question mark, as the second baseman just had flexor tendon surgery on his right forearm. These types of surgeries won’t keep a player out all season but will hamper how much the player will be available once the season starts. Dansby Swanson will be staying short, and after hitting 19 bombs last year, the third base should still belong to Isaac Paredes. The Cubs find themselves in a position where they are trying to win and make the playoffs while also developing their young talent along the way. How much money is spent this offseason to upgrade the pitching and offense remains to be seen. The young rookies who are entering year two next season, along with their established players, are going to dictate just how successful the Chicago Cubs will be in 2025. My belief in this team is that they are a few pieces away from playing October baseball next season. Which pieces are added is the million-dollar question. Maybe it will be a big bat to help solidify the lineup daily, or a pitching ace to take over the top of the rotation. Another option could be a couple of reclamation projects as the Yankees did decline Anthony Rizzo’s contract. I know that Anthony Rizzo is not the same type of player he was in his prime with Chicago, but he is coming off a World Series year with the Yankees, and his experience can be so valuable to the young players on the roster. Craig Counsell loves to mix his lineups up daily and tinker with the pitching staff, so here’s to Jed Hoyer and company giving the manager the tools to have Wrigley Field hosting October baseball once again.
