Chicago Cubs could play it safe and shock nobody this offseason

Eye-popping moves unnecessary with Cubs’ position core

Everyone remembers the moves that make headlines. This winter, if the Miami Marlins manage to unload Giancarlo Stanton, it’ll be the trade everyone remembers five years from now. But those moves don’t always equate to a championship – or even a postseason appearance.

The Cubs enjoy an enviable core. Headlined by the likes of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, Chicago is set – and even has chips to trade. Around the horn, Rizzo and Bryant join a middle infield of Addison Russell and Javier Baez. Of course, one of those guys could be dealt and Ian Happ could get a full-time role after an impressive debut campaign.

But let’s assume the team holds onto their main pieces this winter. What does the club need to do to be competitive in 2018?

A core group ready to win

To be blunt, not much when it comes to position players. A backup catcher, perhaps someone like Rene Rivera, would be nice. Then again, Theo could risk it and stay in-house with Victor Caratini backing up Willson Contreras, as well.

The outfield, as it currently stands, lines up with some combination of Kyle Schwarber, Happ, Albert Almora and Jason Heyward. Ben Zobrist, of course, sees reps in there on a regular basis, as well. You might go after another center fielder to platoon with Almora, but at a certain point, you have to take the training wheels off.

Caratini can back up Rizzo at first and, just like that, the Cubs are set. See how easy that was?