***Official 2024 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter CycloneErik
- Start date
I think that's where getting Suzuki to play 1B helps the Cubs.
- Suzuki can split 1B responsibility with Busch.
- When not playing 1B, Suzuki is primary DH.
- Allows an OF prospect significant at bats as 4th OF. IMO it's critical for Cubs to get an OF prospect about 250 AB's in 2025 in case Tucker leaves after season. And after 2026 both Happ & Suzuki are FA's.
- Rizzo is a fill in at 1B, DH & PH. Can be a late inning defensive replacement for Suzuki. And solid clubhouse leader.
Cubs predicted to land $23 million closer on two-year deal | Sporting News
The Cubs could make a big addition to their bullpen.
www.sportingnews.com
Landing an +80% closer would be a huge upgrade. Though I think as is we’re better than last year in the pen. Seems like we should have two considerable moves left. One being a closer. The other depends IMO on if we could hit the lottery ticket and land Saski.
If don’t get Saski I think they trade Suzuki and should sign Santander. Probably still add another starter just not at the level we want.
Getting Saski probably means we still spend on a closer but don’t trade Suzuki. Bergman would be great but my guess would be a cheaper option.
Hopefully we know soon if we got a real shot at Saski. I think the rest of the offseason hinges on his decision as to the direction we go.
Feels like right now the 3 biggest needs are 1) quality starting pitcher for the rotation 2) quality bench/utility player that possibly can play 1B when Busch has a day off or gets injured 3) a proven late inning reliever whether that is a closer or guy that can pitch in high leverage situations in the 7th or 8th inning.
If they don't sign a closer Porter Hodge may get a shot at the job. I'm not comfortable with any in-house options to fill the open rotation spots. Assad has been ok seems like he's not a guy that can give you up to 6 or 7 innings consistently and tends to struggle more later in the season when the innings pile up. Wicks hasn't been able to stay healthy, Brown was hurt a good chunk of last year after he got called up, Killian hasn't been good in his few stints, and stretching out Pearson as a starter doesn't seem like the best option as he's only got 6 MLB starts in his career and 1 was last year which I had to guess was an opener for a bullpen day. Maybe you do that if you weren't planning to contend but getting a proven innings eater seems like a better option for this season.
Assuming some more signings or a trade is coming soon but I'm not optimistic that the Cubs will be dabbling in anyone on the higher priced tiers.
If they don't sign a closer Porter Hodge may get a shot at the job. I'm not comfortable with any in-house options to fill the open rotation spots. Assad has been ok seems like he's not a guy that can give you up to 6 or 7 innings consistently and tends to struggle more later in the season when the innings pile up. Wicks hasn't been able to stay healthy, Brown was hurt a good chunk of last year after he got called up, Killian hasn't been good in his few stints, and stretching out Pearson as a starter doesn't seem like the best option as he's only got 6 MLB starts in his career and 1 was last year which I had to guess was an opener for a bullpen day. Maybe you do that if you weren't planning to contend but getting a proven innings eater seems like a better option for this season.
Assuming some more signings or a trade is coming soon but I'm not optimistic that the Cubs will be dabbling in anyone on the higher priced tiers.
The market is kind of frozen waiting on Sasaki but I do think they'll make a run at Flaherty because you can get him for the shorter years/higher AAV thing that Jed goes to sleep dreaming of every night. Something like 3/72 with an opt out probably gets him done.
I think they've decided they're set for utility men because Amaya can play 1B in an emergency.
Agreed they need to go get a bullpen arm. Scott or Yates would be perfect but I don't know if they're willing to spend that kind of cash in the pen.
I think they've decided they're set for utility men because Amaya can play 1B in an emergency.
Agreed they need to go get a bullpen arm. Scott or Yates would be perfect but I don't know if they're willing to spend that kind of cash in the pen.
If they don’t add an impact bat I’d seriously look at Ballestareos as a third catcher. He plays first. Caring three he can ph play an inning or two and get a second ab. Then they can use the other catcher as a defensive replacement.
Bench would be
Suzuki
Alcantara or Canario ( they can play cf)
2 catchers ( covers backup 1B)
Then the utility guy that wins the job or a 3B allowing Shaw to be super utility but primary 3B
Great way to start the relationship with your new marquee player over 2.5 million.
I'm honestly sad for my favorite team/franchise. This bargaining happens a lot but...2.5 mil? What a horrible look. The chance to resign him was low but now, there's no chance.
It's to the point that nothing surprises me with the stupidity of this front office. Trade away 1 of your top prospects for a big bat in Tucker then trade away Bellinger to save some money and now you get even cheaper by lowballing him by $2.5 mil. If this team is in the same position at the trade deadline like they have been the past 2 seasons where they are toiling in mediocrity then they better trade Tucker and get back a big prospect in return else trading for him in the first place makes no sense. I know there is still time for them to add to this roster but the lack of any significant moves right now other than their usual cheap reclamation project acquisitions doesn't give me much optimism they are going to be significantly better this season.
No need to overract to that at this point. Externally the optics can be whatever, doesn't mean that's how it's felt with the player and there is still plenty of opportuntity to agree before it ever goes to an arbitration panel. Also, they did just acquire him. Every chance both parties are still working through that process, talking about what a long term deal Tucker wants might look like (even if slim chance thats in Chicago), etc. It's really not that big of a deal yet, other than something for fans to yell into the clouds about. Several other players in the same boat with their teams. Heck it's the same situation with the Brewers and one of their best players in Contreras.
I get it though, Cubs fans are all in on anything to **** on Jed and Ricketts right now.
I get it though, Cubs fans are all in on anything to **** on Jed and Ricketts right now.
This is where I'm at. If it actually goes to arbitration that will be frustrating, but not going to worry just yet.
Honestly this is an overreaction. Tucker said he’d like to work a long term deal with the Cubs. If true this will just be rolled into his long term contract. They’ll likely give him a big signing bonus and try to reduce the base in 25 & 26 because they will have Suzuki and Happ on the books. In 27 they will hopefully have Alcantara or Caissie starring in left and they can extend PCA in 27. I guess before you assume they screwed up let’s see how it plays out.
I missed where he said that. That would be awesome obviously.
Either way, still time to do that or come to an agreement for next year before this comes to a hearing.
It was right after the trade. They always say that but in this instance it’s exactly what we need a superstar to build around
First of all, maybe I overreacted but the FO has given me reason.
Regarding the bold, he says he's always open to talks. Not really an "I'd like to work out a long term deal with Chicago" specifically. I can't believe he would not test FA after this year. Without an injury this year, it would be pretty dumb.
