*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***

[RoseClone]

There are a few American players who washed out on their initial MLB careers, went to Japan had success and came back to become solid MLB players the 2nd time around. Colin Rea did so. This is a pretty typical FO move around baseball.

Would be surprised if the Cubs have much invested. If Austin can spell Busch at 1B and be a power RH bat as a PH then Austin fills a need.

It's not like the Cubs didn't take similar gambles last off-season with Keller and Pomeranz.

True but not exactly how a major market team should go about things every year. It's a crap shoot which is dumb.

 

[Clonefan32]

Hell let’s call down to the Mexican league and see what Jake Taylor is up to while we are at it

 

[isucy86]

True but not exactly how a major market team should go about things every year. It's a crap shoot which is dumb.

If he's the best player the Cubs sign this off-season, then you have a complaint.

The reality, Austin is being paid $1.25M to try-out with the Cubs during spring training. If he plays well in Arizona, he's Busch's platoon/backup and power hitting PH. If Ballesteros or Long plays better, Austin gets waived.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

He must have hated Des Moines lol

 

[CYdTracked]

He must have hated Des Moines lol

He was never going to make it to Chicago and I don't think he was ever going to be much more than just one of those "veteran" AAA guys you need to fill out a roster and maybe some day you throw him a bone and call him up for a few AB in the bigs for some meaningless games as a thanks. He turns 28 in March, is a career .231 hitter in the minors and has been stalled at in AAA since 2023 so he's not even considered a prospect anymore.

 

[BigJCy]

10 year Reunion is already here:

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

10 year Reunion is already here:

10 years…. Where does time go?

 

[Clark]

Looks like Baz is off the table, I know some here were hoping the Cubs would trade for him.

 

[CLONEZONE12]

Dude hasn’t played in the MLB since 2019. Front office and ownership throwing pennies at players and hoping they over perform. Starting to get a little old.

Starting? Been happening for years.

 

[GP4ISU]

Looks like Baz is off the table, I know some here were hoping the Cubs would trade for him.

Where my “not a good value” button? It’s getting worn out…

 

[GP4ISU]

10 years…. Where does time go?

Take your current age and subtract 10. That’s how old you were when the Cubs won it all.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[BigJCy]

 

[GP4ISU]

That should do it…..

 

[isucy86]

That should do it…..

Unless the Cubs plan on trading Amaya. I would guess he is projected to mentor Ballesteros in DSM?

 

[ChiClone17]

Still think they sign one of Imai, Gallen, or Valdez, with the likelihood in that order…although maybe I should swap Gallen and Imai, because Imai is less projectable but going to command a lot more.

 

[isucy86]

Yep, sounds like Bethencourt was signed to minor league deal.

 

[CYdTracked]

They sign 1 or 2 veteran catchers for Iowa every year just so they have an emergency catcher on hand in the system for injury. This is basically the McGuire signing from last year. Only way he sees time in Chicago is if Kelly or Amaya gets hurt and they aren't comfortable with Mo splitting catching duties.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Starting to be some smoke around Imai AND Okamoto coming to Chicago.

Personally would love it - question is can these impoverished owners afford it.

 

[1UNI2ISU]

Tommy Nickels ain't paying two posting fees.