With the Chicago Cubs set to begin their regular season in Japan, their eventful offseason is coming to a close. The franchise made a strong push to improve its roster after back-to-back 83-win seasons, signaling a clear commitment to contention. Despite a decrease in payroll, the Cubs have managed to make significant upgrades, largely through well-executed trades that capitalized on the organization’s deep farm system.
One of the most impactful moves of the offseason was the acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker. The former Houston Astros slugger provides the Cubs with a much-needed power bat and a proven offensive force capable of carrying the lineup. His addition addresses a critical need in Chicago’s batting order, giving them a true difference-maker at the plate. This trade set the tone for the Cubs’ aggressive approach to improving their roster, ensuring they would be more competitive heading into 2025.
Beyond acquiring Tucker, the Cubs placed a heavy emphasis on upgrading their bullpen, which had been one of the weakest areas of the team last season. Their inability to close out games cost them several wins, making bullpen reinforcements a top priority. To address this issue, Chicago executed another key trade with the Astros, bringing in veteran closer Ryan Pressly. With a wealth of experience in high-pressure situations, Pressly will return to the closer’s role after spending last season as a setup man for Josh Hader. His presence should provide stability and reliability in the late innings, a crucial improvement for a team looking to compete in the National League.
In addition to these marquee acquisitions, the Cubs made several depth moves to strengthen their bullpen and bench. By adding experienced relievers and versatile position players, they have created one of the more well-rounded rosters in the National League. This depth will be essential over the course of a long season, giving the team flexibility and resilience in the face of inevitable injuries and slumps.
The Cubs’ offseason efforts have not gone unnoticed, as Jim Bowden of The Athletic graded their moves an impressive ‘A-.’ While Tucker and Pressly were the headline additions, Bowden praised the organization for building a deeper bullpen and a stronger bench, which should pay dividends throughout the season. Expectations are now high for Chicago, and with a well-balanced roster, the team is in a strong position to compete for the NL Central title and challenge the league’s top contenders.
Ultimately, the Cubs’ front office executed a highly successful offseason, making smart trades and targeted signings to address their weaknesses. If these moves translate to on-field success, Chicago could be a serious threat in the National League this season.
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