Chicago Cubs’ patience and eye on the future remains strong

The Chicago Cubs’ front office has executed a long-term plan to perfection. Despite winning it all in 2016, their approach to the game has not changed.

From the day Theo Epstein and his new baseball operations regime set foot in Wrigley Field in October 2011, the focus has been clear: build a long-term contender.

In five years, Epstein led the Cubs from cellar dwellers to the kings of Major League Baseball. From 100-plus losses to 100-plus wins, Chicago relied upon homegrown talent mixed with notable veterans. The formula brought the organization its first title in 108 years last fall.

With a title in tow, some may expect the approach to change. Perhaps more aggression or a ‘win-now’ mentality after dominating for the majority of the 2016 campaign. But, if recent actions are any indication, nothing could be further from Epstein’s mind.

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"“We really want to be cognizant of leaving some flexibility for in-season moves, leaving a little cushion beneath the CBT (competitive balance tax) threshold for us to be able to operate,” Epstein told reporters, including Patrick Mooney, earlier this week."

Last season, one of those “in-season” moves directly led to a championship. Without Aroldis Chapman, one could estimate, the Chicago Cubs fail to win the World Series. Of course, it came at a steep cost in terms of prospect talent, but nevertheless, it was a necessary addition for the club.

Several notable relievers were available, including now-Kansas City southpaw Travis Wood, but Epstein felt tying their own hands now could prove detrimental down the road.

"“Whether it was Travis or some of the other relievers late, we had some self-imposed limitations,” Epstein said. “We just wanted to leave some cushion for in-season moves. We saw last offseason how important that can be."

The Chicago bullpen features a mix of both familiar and new names this spring. Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon and Carl Edwards Jr. highlight the former. Unfamiliar names include Koji Uehara, Wade Davis and Brian Duensing.

Developing young pitching talent

The Chicago Cubs’ system has become famous for the quality position players it has churned out for the better part of a decade. Names like Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber all made their way through the minors in Cubs uniforms.

Now, Epstein is looking to the next wave of young pitchers making its way through the system. Names like Trevor Clifton, Jose Albertos, Dylan Cease, Oscar De La Cruz and Thomas Hatch all cracked the Baseball Prospectus Top 10 Cubs Prospect List this year.

Next: Who is the best fit behind the dish for Chicago?

Several of those names won’t see Chicago in 2017, but having that quality in the pipeline proves promising for the organization. That fact isn’t lost on Epstein, who continues to insist that the ‘Cubs Way’ is the best way to create a winner.

"“I’m sure we’ll be active again midseason at the trade deadline if needs arise. But we also want to be mindful of not getting too full in the bullpen. We’d like to give an opportunity to younger guys at some point.”"