***Official 2024 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter CycloneErik
- Start date
If Busch isn't playing a majority of the games next year that trade could turn out to be a massive failure. Jackson Ferris had a great year in dodgers system and is now there 4th rated prospect. Zyhir Hope has a ways to go but was player of year in Fall league. Hope this one doesn't comeback to bite us
Eh. There's no such thing as a pitching prospect... let's see if either of Ferris and Hope actually makes the show, doesn't get seriously injured, struggle with higher level hitters, etc.
The most likely scenario with Busch is that he's a slighly above average 1B on the cheap for five more years, which has a lot of value. Busch was also a very highly regarded prospect himself, so it isn't out of the question that he takes a step forward and is a very good 1B over that stretch. In short, I think it's more likely that the Cubs will "win" the trade than the Dodgers, and the likelihood of the trade being very lopsided in favor of the Dodgers is relatively low.
I don’t understand people wanting to dish out $30 million a year for the same production you get for 750k. Busch is the starting 1B for the foreseeable future.
He definitely has plus power, potentially more than anyone else in the current lineup
Unless Bellinger opts out I would be surprised if there is a big move made with a position player. They probably will be more active in the pitching market looking for a SP and bullpen help. I doubt they make a serious bid but I think Bregman at 3B would be a big upgrade but I'm sure Jed wants to stay cheap there with Paredes. There isn't much out there for catchers either unless it's through a trade.
MLB free agents 2024-25
MLB free agents 2024-25
Caissie getting time in right or dh. Busch has laying some 2nd and 3rd may not be the upgrade we want but it is an upgrade. Plus Ballestareos dhing and catching a bit gives us another big bat. Having these as position guys definitely strengthens the bench
Amaya
Bethencourt
Ballestareos
Bellinger
Busch
Hoerner
Peredes
Swanson
Happ
PCA
Suzuki
Caissie
Gives us a pretty good 12
Shaw at some point and we look pretty good
Important part is we have money for another start and hopefully a closer
I hate the Yankees but was rooting for Rizzo to be the hero. He had a 2 strike count and did what he does best and got hit by a pitch.
An interesting name Cerami brought up on social media today - Michael Conforto.
Would not be option A, B, or C, but is likely cheap and taking a short-term deal. Lefty bat. Baseball Savant shows well above-average hitter.
If his job weren't likely on the line, my guess is this exactly the type of guy Hoyer would go after even with a bit of a backlog in the OF.
Would not be option A, B, or C, but is likely cheap and taking a short-term deal. Lefty bat. Baseball Savant shows well above-average hitter.
If his job weren't likely on the line, my guess is this exactly the type of guy Hoyer would go after even with a bit of a backlog in the OF.
Completely understand the excitement over Busch's rookie season. And it would be great if his career builds from the 2024 season.
But the other reality is some rookies peak as rookies. Also, Busch's production declined during the 2nd half of season:
BA -.216
OBP- .303
SLUG-.402
Plus he struck out in 58 of 231 PA in 61 second half games.
So for the Cubs to have a roaming eye for a proven 1B or a proven slugger who can play 1B or other positions or DH might be a prudent move by the Cubs FO.
There is no reason to bring in any more OF even if Bellinger opts out. Already have a starting trio of Happ PCA and Suzuki with Caissie and Alcantara needing a spot and that is not even factoring in Canario or Tauchman if they were to tender him a contract. The biggest holes on this team position wise are at 3B and C, maybe even 1B depending on what kind of production you think Busch will top out at. If they are going to look outside the organization at OF it better be for a player a helluva lot better than Conforto
And if you take out a 10 day window between April 5 and April 15, he was just a 15 HR hitter.
I like Busch, but 1B is very much a place you can upgrade. So is 3B. So is a corner OF bat.
Cubs have 48 men on the 40 man and it needs to be at 40 by Sunday at 5.
Hendricks and Lopez will make it 46 unless one of them are resigned.
Bellinger and Smyly have option decisions that I’m assuming will drop it to 44.
My guess is they won’t do all of this Sunday
Hendricks and Lopez will make it 46 unless one of them are resigned.
Bellinger and Smyly have option decisions that I’m assuming will drop it to 44.
My guess is they won’t do all of this Sunday
Best I can do is 3 or 4 27 year old pitchers who have mediocre AAA stats and less than 20 innings pitched in the majors, and 2 guys who will bat under .230 and not play any position defensively.
Im not anticipating Soto but his comments last night were interesting.
30 minutes after the loss a reporter asked if there was any truth to the speculation that he loves NY and would want to stay there and he just flat out said no. Said he loved his time in NY but as a FA he wants to get the feel of each city and each franchises situation before deciding anything.
I felt like him staying in NY was a foregone conclusion but maybe he has other plans. Just weird he seemed to have an answer/response so quick
30 minutes after the loss a reporter asked if there was any truth to the speculation that he loves NY and would want to stay there and he just flat out said no. Said he loved his time in NY but as a FA he wants to get the feel of each city and each franchises situation before deciding anything.
I felt like him staying in NY was a foregone conclusion but maybe he has other plans. Just weird he seemed to have an answer/response so quick
