I thought we would for sure earlier this year but The emergence of Steele and now Assad has made me question whether they will feel it’s necessary or not. Neither of those are Ace level until they can go deeper in games but it feels like they’ll wait and see how those two and Wesnecki or Killian develop next year before spending on a big name pitcher if necessary going into 2024.
I'm more confident in Steele and Thompson than Assad, Wesnecki or Killian. Hendricks is a #5 at this stage of his career. We have depth that could allow us to package a bit for a front line starter in a trade. Just like Nico isn't a reason not to go after a huge SS those SP aren't a reason to punt on a #1
I welcome all the thinks… we’re going to be aggressive and we’re going to spend. That’s all I need to know at this point.
Just realized the cubs aren’t even going to get a top 10 pick this season. Better get a top end starter, all star middle infielder and then another B/B+ vet in the zobrist mold this off season.
Draft pick has no impact on what they plan on doing via FA's as well. Most draft picks aren't seeing a roster for 2-4 years
Guys its a draft lotto this year... Its very likely we draft no higher than 9th and no worse than 12th. I guess we can hope for an nba style luck and land the #1 pick but complaining over the range of the pick seems like a waste of energy. This team was never going to be in the top 3 for lotto odds.
Yeah I wasn’t complaining, I’d way rather them finish the season strong. It’s largely been a solid second half except for that nightmare stretch at the end of august. I hope that that helps sway ownership in opening up the wallets this offseason because they are clearly moving in the right direction.
Ricketts has been interviewed a few times recently and every indication he's given is money is available and expected to be spent. Its going to be on Jed on where it's spent. I would expect the Cubs to be on Correa, Rodon and an arm or two for the pen. I don't care about W/L I think its nice they are are competing and not tossing in the towel. I think that's a strong reflection on Rossy. I think the best thing about the season has been the development on Steele, Thompson, Morrel, Nico. Those guys where big question marks or guys not even on the radar and they took massive steps forward. A look ahead... Christopher Morel – 3B Nico Hoerner – 2B Carlos Correa – SS Ian Happ – LF Seiya Suzuki – RF Willson Contreras – C Brennen Davis – CF Franmil Reyes – DH Matt Mervis – 1B Bench Madrigal Wisdom Gomes McKinstry On the radar Velasquez Canario Amaya Rotation Rodon Stroman Steele Thompson Hendricks Other Options Killan Smyly Wesneski Assad Azolay We could see Azolay in the role that Thompson had this year. Basically a long reliever and piggy backed with say a Hendricks. I would look into get a top line closer as well. But the rest of the pen should be fine. We seem to have a some magic going in the minors with developing guys or targeting FAs at low cost.
Ended up with the 12th worse record. Feels like if they spend money, this could be a team that wins 84-88 games next season. So whats the plan? I think they'll definitely get one of the 4 big shortstops. My preference would be Turner but am fine with any of them. Would be interested in Brandon Nimmo to play center and probably need a real first baseman. Will need a catcher to replace our 2nd most valuable every day player from last year as well. Looking at the pitching in free agency....lots of big question marks. Do you go into the season with the rotation that has carried you the second half?
We have tons of pitchers that can swing innings if need be. I'd like to see us sign Rodon and run with Rodon Stroman Steele Sampson(he has earned it) And the 5th spot I'm going Wesneski I think you likely could get back Miley as an innings eater or spot lefty. Love Keegan in the 2-3 ip Role and he's great at it. Obviously this leaves out Hendricks and I don't really see a Role for him unless you slide Wesneski to the Pen. Brown and Wicks could also see time in the Majors next year. I hate wasting Morel in CF so I'd slide him to 3rd and DH wisdom against lefties. Mervis needs to be given every opportunity to play 1st on opening day. Canario is also knocking on the door and should probably be given an opportunity as well. Not a great season but we were able to see what some of the guys were able to do and should give us tons of options moving forward.
Dusty didn't want Willson because he was in a FA season and thought he would complain about not playing as much as he wanted in order to pad stats
I’m starting to get a bit worried by all the reporting that the cubs are going to be allergic to big contracts this offseason. If Jed/ownership/both are still risk averse after the heyward deal, they need to get over that feeling real fucking quick
The Japanese pitcher seems like a route the Cubs are going to go down vs paying elite money on Rodon or DeGrom type on the market. Abrue seems like a smart signing as you give Mervis a chance to win that job. Big money is still going to be focused at SS I think. But its a super deep position so who knows. I'm not in a worried at this point but I get why some are feeling the way you are right now.
Yeah I’m cool with punting on a true top of rotation pitcher, especially if they land Senga which appears to be semi-likely. They can find an elite pitcher in subsequent offseasons, and this gives them more innings to figure out what they have in their young pitchers. My worry is entirely around not being in on the top 3 short stops. It’ll be ludicrous if they miss out on Correa or Xander because they don’t want to go above 5 years
I still think with the depth in the class that a deal with someone like Swanson might not be an awful idea over giving to much term. I’m fairly confident we’re going to be adding 3-4 pretty nice pieces to this puzzle either way.
https://twitter.com/kileymcd/status/1599850626975834112?s=46&t=fnIoydN20ySI2DJJsV79EQ wish rickett’s would sell the team
amazing they could sign Harper and still can sign more top end players. Hey the cubs balance sheet looks great so you much be super happy for our multi-billionaire owners. can’t believe the Mets could afford a top end starter too. Thought that was impossible
Those teams must have a bunch of World Series trophies recently then with all that spending they do. Oh wait it’s the Dodgers and Astros who understand that you spend but do it intelligently when your top prospects are arriving too. I’d rather be like them than the Yankees, Mets, and Phillies who have been trying to buy a World Series for the past decade
the dodgers have been spending a shitload for years and have exactly the same amount of World Series appearances as the Phillies in the last 10 years. In the last 15 years the Phillies have made the World Series 3 times. That must suck
And both of them have the same amount of titles we have over that span. Dodgers have spent like crazy recently because they have had one of the top farm systems in baseball.
the dodgers have been top 3 in payroll in baseball for a decade. They have not had the top farm system in baseball that entire time
Imagine Tre Turner being paid 300 over 11 years being what causes you to meltdown on the internet. Keep in mind this is the same section of our fanbase who screamed from the tallest building about how bad it was to sign Hayward. Basically what I’m saying is never ever be one of these people and when you do… just start cheering for the WhiteSox.
Yes because there is no such thing. These teams can afford players. The cubs generate more than enough revenue to be competitive every season. You’ve just bought the bullshit the ricketts are shoveling
No, I don't want to just throw money around and sell the farm to try to have a shot at the playoffs every year. That's fucking stupid, and you're a dumb fan if that's how you want your teams to operate.
Also fuck the Ricketts Acting like they're poor because of covid and resigning a total of 1 from the core of the WS team