I more meant in terms of where team was in standings. Kinda hanging around but not doing well enough to go all in. Team got hot right before break last year or they probably would of been sellers
***Official 2024 Chicago Cubs Thread***
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I hope they keep Taillon. He's definitely a solid 3/4 guy to have in your rotation. I doubt Horton will be ready in 25 to start the season in the majors. Assad, Wicks, Brown, Wesneski and hopefully Killian give us some pretty good depth behind Steele, Imanaga and Taillon.
Busch's turnaround defensively has been impressive.
I know it was only one appearance bet the Harvard kid gots closer written all over him. Bigge, Merryweather and Leiter could make a solid 7, 8 9. Plus you have Little, Miller. Hodge and Almonte, that's looking pretty solid all of a sudden. That's 15 good pitchers not to mention Alzolay, Arias. Brewer, lopez, Robert's and Thompson as depth and we're stacked. Guys that isn't an everybody gets a ribbon list. Those guys can pitch.
Pipe dream but if we could build the offense around Soto and Busch then add a catcher that's league average or better we'd be pretty dangerous.
We lose Smyly 8.5, Neris 9.0, Hendricks 16.5, Bellinger 27.5. That's over 60 mil so the money is there for Soto and a catcher.
Busch's turnaround defensively has been impressive.
I know it was only one appearance bet the Harvard kid gots closer written all over him. Bigge, Merryweather and Leiter could make a solid 7, 8 9. Plus you have Little, Miller. Hodge and Almonte, that's looking pretty solid all of a sudden. That's 15 good pitchers not to mention Alzolay, Arias. Brewer, lopez, Robert's and Thompson as depth and we're stacked. Guys that isn't an everybody gets a ribbon list. Those guys can pitch.
Pipe dream but if we could build the offense around Soto and Busch then add a catcher that's league average or better we'd be pretty dangerous.
We lose Smyly 8.5, Neris 9.0, Hendricks 16.5, Bellinger 27.5. That's over 60 mil so the money is there for Soto and a catcher.
I agree but unless we trade him I don't think we lose Bellinger. I'd be surprised if he opts out unless he has huge 2nd half
I
I think he opts out. Boras is about the end number. Cody will get 30 of the 80 mil in 24 ( 2.5 is opt out $) So I think they feel like he can get more than 50 over the next 2 plus CB really wants a LT deal.
Doesn't he get 30 mil in 2025 too? Then drops to 20 mil in 26? I don't think he's getting even 20 Mil year value in his next deal though close. I think he'll opt in and then out after 25. I never thought Stroman would walk either so you're probably right
Hopefully it's not broke and they just sent AC as precautionary. You can option wisdom i believe he isn't playing anyway. Masterbuoni can play 1st in a pinch.
FanGraphs has it 27.5/27.5/25 with 2.5 buyouts after year one and two so basically he'd be playing for 22.5 in year 3.
I have zero issue trading Taillon ($17 MM) if a team offers a package you would see for a 2. He has performed as an ace since the second half of last season. If it's for a 4, I tell 'em to **** off.
Bellinger ($27 MM) is going to get a decent return, but if it isn't for anything ready for next year, I'm out.
I have zero issue trading Hoerner ($11 MM) if we believe Triantos/Shaw can replace him.
My guess is we'll have about $70 MM to spend this offseason which is enough for 1 star and 2-3 fill ins. I'd rather trade 2-3 contracts to open up for 2 stars and 2-3 role guy.
Bellinger ($27 MM) is going to get a decent return, but if it isn't for anything ready for next year, I'm out.
I have zero issue trading Hoerner ($11 MM) if we believe Triantos/Shaw can replace him.
My guess is we'll have about $70 MM to spend this offseason which is enough for 1 star and 2-3 fill ins. I'd rather trade 2-3 contracts to open up for 2 stars and 2-3 role guy.
That is his luxury hit. His paycheck is $30 MM this year and next year and $20 MM the following year. It's similar, but also the exact opposite, to what the Dodgers did with Ohtani and his deferment. They front loaded the deal to lower the luxury tax the next two years while adding to it year 3 knowing he will likely opt out.
For what it's worth, I think Bellinger opts in after this year (he isn't getting $30 MM anywhere next year after this performance) but will opt out the following year.
That's an option but if you can add a catcher. Stand pat with
1B Busch
2B Hoerner
3B Morel till Shaw is ready
Ss Swanson he's gotta get back to his norm
LF Happ
CF PCA with a .350 OBP he swipes a 100 bags.
DH Suzuki
4th OF Tauchman
You can add a C and Soto
I know it's a pipe dream but it's my pipe dream and really the only way we really are true contenders.
My ideal situation for our staff is Burnes/Glasnow-like trade/Steele/Imanaga/Rookie. I'm not opposed to Taillon replacing the Glasnow-like trade.
I am opposed to going into another season where the FO is crossing their fingers at 2-3 positions, which has been the case every Opening Day under Jed.
I am opposed to going into another season where the FO is crossing their fingers at 2-3 positions, which has been the case every Opening Day under Jed.
Position wise
C need an upgrade
1B Busch
2B Hoerner
3B Morel till Shaw I'd hate to block Shaw
SS Swanson we're stuck with him
LF Happ stuck again
CF PCA
RF Suzuki so an add should be here moving Seya to primary DH
I believe they said during the broadcast last night that he was throwing off flat ground.
I’m curious if there has been any internal conversations on Bichette. He’s had a bad year and only has a year remaining after this. It also sounds like he wants to be out of Toronto. His value has never been lower.
Bichette went from the display case to the clearance rack rather quickly. His power numbers are down, he doesn’t run as well as he used to, and he actually has a WAR of -.4—No need to go after a guy on such a rapid decline.
Lol, he's 26 with a career .290 batting average and just posted a 4.8 WAR last season and 3.6 and 6.0 the previous 2 seasons. Wasn't all that long ago Bellinger was written off too for a couple bad seasons and look how he rebounded. I'd take the chance on him if the Cubs could get him at a discount right now.
Basically a carbon copy career to Swanson without the gold gloves.. Why do you want him?
