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Art Scpae

4 min read

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21-03-2025

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Dissecting the 2024 Chicago Cubs Roster: A Blend of Youth, Experience, and Unproven Potential

The Chicago Cubs, fresh off a season that exceeded expectations, enter the 2024 campaign with a roster that’s a fascinating mix of established stars, promising young talent, and intriguing question marks. While the playoff berth in 2023 solidified their upward trajectory, the front office faces crucial decisions regarding roster construction and long-term strategy. This deep dive analyzes the current Cubs roster, highlighting key players, potential weaknesses, and the overall outlook for the upcoming season.

The Core: Established Stars and Building Blocks

The Cubs' foundation rests on a core group of players who have proven their worth at the Major League level. This group provides a blend of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and leadership.

• Dansby Swanson: The prized offseason acquisition of 2023, Swanson immediately solidified the shortstop position, both offensively and defensively. His leadership and steady presence in the lineup are invaluable. His performance will be crucial to the team's success. The question remains: Can he consistently deliver the offensive production expected of a high-profile shortstop?

• Cody Bellinger: Bellinger's resurgence in 2023 was one of the feel-good stories of the season. After a disappointing stint with the Dodgers, he rediscovered his power stroke in Chicago. His Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field further enhances his value. Consistency will be key for Bellinger; can he replicate his 2023 performance and avoid the injury issues that plagued him in previous seasons?

• Justin Steele: Steele emerged as the Cubs' ace in 2023, showcasing impressive command and a knack for getting outs. He quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher and is a cornerstone of the rotation. The focus for Steele will be on maintaining his health and further developing his repertoire to consistently dominate opposing lineups.

• Seiya Suzuki: Suzuki provided a consistent presence in the lineup in his second year with the team. Although his power numbers may not have fully reached expectations, his ability to get on base and contribute runs remains valuable. He’s a key piece of the offensive puzzle and needs to stay healthy to maximize his impact.

The Rising Stars: Youth Injecting Energy and Excitement

The Cubs' future is bright, thanks to a crop of young players who showcased considerable potential in 2023 and are poised for even bigger roles.

• Christopher Morel: Morel's versatility is a major asset, capable of playing multiple positions while providing a spark in the lineup. His power potential is evident, but he needs to refine his approach at the plate to consistently contribute offensively. Controlling his strikeouts will be crucial for his development.

• Nico Hoerner: Hoerner's emergence as a solid all-around player is a testament to his hard work and dedication. While primarily a second baseman, his ability to play multiple infield positions provides valuable flexibility. His offensive consistency needs to improve to truly solidify his role as a cornerstone player.

• Hayden Wesneski: Wesneski showed glimpses of being a reliable member of the starting rotation. He'll need to improve his consistency and command to become a true fixture in the rotation.

The Question Marks: Areas of Uncertainty and Potential Weakness

While the Cubs possess a solid foundation, there are still areas of uncertainty that could impact their success.

• Catcher: The catching position requires a significant upgrade. The Cubs need to acquire a reliable starting catcher who can provide both offensive and defensive contributions. This is a pressing need to avoid a major weakness in a crucial defensive position.

• Bullpen Consistency: The bullpen's performance fluctuated throughout 2023. Acquiring reliable and experienced relievers who can consistently deliver in high-leverage situations is a priority. The team needs to find a closer who can consistently secure late-inning victories.

• First Base: The first base position lacks a consistent power hitter. Finding a player who can provide substantial run production and solid defense at first base will be vital to bolstering the lineup’s overall production.

Offseason Moves and Potential Additions

The Cubs' front office will likely be active in the offseason, addressing the weaknesses identified above. They might pursue free agents or explore trade options to bolster their roster, focusing on adding reliable power to the lineup, a proven closer, and a dependable starting catcher.

The Outlook for 2024 and Beyond

The Cubs have a solid foundation built upon a strong core of established players and promising young talent. Their success in 2024 will depend largely on addressing their weaknesses, particularly at catcher and in the bullpen. Consistent offensive production from their core players and continued development of young players will be crucial.

While a World Series appearance might be a stretch, the Cubs are poised to be competitive and contend for a playoff spot. The team's youth and potential suggest a bright future, and with strategic offseason moves, they can solidify their place among the National League's top contenders in the coming years. The focus should be on continuing to develop their young players while making shrewd acquisitions to fill the remaining gaps in the roster. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting one for Cubs fans, full of potential and anticipation. The team's trajectory is positive, but consistent improvement and smart decision-making will be vital to achieving their ultimate goals.