What's next for the Cubs offseason? |
Obviously, with the Cubs trading for three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, there is growing excitement for 2025. The excitement surrounding the Cubs acquiring an All-Star caliber player comes with questions about the roster and what’s next for the offseason.
Before the Cubs swooped in to acquire Tucker, there was steam behind rumors that included trading Nico Hoerner to the Mariners for one of their starting pitchers and trading Cody Bellinger to a team like the Yankees or a different team that missed out on the Juan Soto sweepstakes. Naturally, after the Tucker news broke, the expectation was that the Cubs would turn to try to complete one of those other deals. However, Jed Hoyer and the Cubs were able to create a sense of flexibility in terms of roster construction. Since the Cubs retained seven top-100 prospects after the trade, including all of their prospects projected to hit the majors in 2025, the Cubs still have a multitude of options. Trading Isaac Paredes opened up a wide variety of possibilities for how the Cubs handle third base in 2025, among them include: Keep Cody Bellinger to play first; Michael Busch will play third Keep Cody Bellinger to play first; Nico Hoerner will play third; Michael Busch will play second Call-up Matt Shaw to play third Move Nico Hoerner to third, call up Matt Shaw to play second Trade one of Hoerner OR Bellinger, have Michael Busch play the open spot and Matt Shaw play third (or vice versa) Explore free agency for a third baseman like Alex Bregman Visit trade possibilities for Alec Bohm or Nolan Arenado It’s safe to say that the options are plentiful for the Cubs as the offseason continues. The Cubs do not have to trade Cody Bellinger — with a designated hitter, first base, and three outfield positions, the Cubs could certainly find a place for Cody Bellinger’s bat daily. Nico Hoerner’s value is something the Cubs are in no hurry to part with, but would if they were met with the correct deal — but what if the Cubs acquired a starting pitcher in a different way? Michael Busch made significant improvement at first base last season. Who’s to say he couldn’t do the same at third or second base if necessary? Not to mention, the Cubs still have seven prospects ranked in MLB’s top 100. While Jed Hoyer certainly has confidence in his farm system, the Cubs can use this depth for trade purposes if need be — or use players like Owen Caissie or Matt Shaw to fill holes at the big league level. By acquiring the much-needed star player in Kyle Tucker without giving up players like Nico Hoerner, Cody Bellinger, Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, or Cade Horton, the Cubs are still in a very fruitful position as the New Year approaches. The Cubs still have moves to make. Whether through free agency or trade, the Cubs will look to add a starting pitcher, look for depth and impact in their bullpen, and shore up their third base situation ideally. Credit to Jed Hoyer for not only pulling off the big move but doing so in a way that still leaves the Cubs advantageous from a roster perspective as the offseason continues.
