The Chicago Cubs have been a force to be reckoned with in the National League for the past few years, consistently making it to the playoffs and even winning the World Series in 2016. However, as the offseason approaches, it is clear that the Cubs have many needs to address in order to maintain their competitive edge. And according to one insider, these needs may take them out of the race for highly sought-after outfielder Kyle Tucker.
The Chicago Cubs’ front office has a lot on their plate this offseason, with several key players set to become free agents. Among them are veteran pitcher Jake Arrieta, closer Wade Davis, and outfielder Jon Jay. In addition, there are several areas of concern that need to be addressed, such as the lack of depth in the starting rotation and the need for a consistent leadoff hitter.
With all of these needs to focus on, it’s no surprise that the Cubs may not be in the running for a player like Kyle Tucker. The 20-year-old outfielder has been making waves in the minor leagues and is highly coveted by many teams in the MLB. However, the Cubs may not have the resources to acquire him, both in terms of prospects and financial flexibility.
But this doesn’t mean that the Cubs are giving up on making improvements to their roster. In fact, this may be a blessing in disguise for the team. By focusing on their own needs and building from within, the Cubs can continue to develop their young talent and maintain their competitive edge.
One area that the Cubs will need to address is their starting rotation. While they have a strong core with Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, and Jose Quintana, there is a lack of depth beyond these three. This was evident in the playoffs when the Cubs had to rely on rookie pitcher Luke Farrell due to injuries and inconsistent performances from others. With Jake Arrieta likely to leave in free agency, the Cubs will need to find another reliable starter to round out their rotation.
In terms of positional players, the Cubs may look to add a consistent leadoff hitter to their roster. While they have Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber who have shown flashes of being able to fill this role, neither have been able to do so consistently. This has led to an inconsistent offense, which was a major factor in the Cubs’ early exit from the playoffs this year. With Jon Jay set to become a free agent, the Cubs will need to find someone who can provide stability at the top of their lineup.
While the Cubs may not be able to afford a high-profile acquisition like Kyle Tucker, they do have a wealth of young talent in their farm system. Players like Ian Happ, Albert Almora Jr., and Victor Caratini have all shown promise and could be key contributors to the team in the future. By focusing on their own development, the Cubs can continue to build a sustainable and successful team for years to come.
Ultimately, the Chicago Cubs have a lot of needs to address this offseason. But this should not be seen as a negative. It is an opportunity for the team to regroup and make the necessary improvements in order to remain competitive in the tough National League. And while it may take them out of the running for players like Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have the talent and resources to continue to be a force in the MLB for years to come.
In conclusion, the Chicago Cubs may not be able to pursue high-profile players this offseason, but they have the talent and determination to address their own needs and continue to build a winning team. Their focus should remain on developing their young talent and making strategic moves to improve their roster. With this approach, the Cubs can once again make a strong push for the playoffs and potentially add another World Series title to their resume.
