Chicago Cubs: Three things Theo Epstein should accomplish this winter

There are many things that Theo Epstein needs to accomplish for the Chicago Cubs to compete in 2020, here are three of them.

Amidst a crucial offseason, there is no denying the Chicago Cubs need to accomplish many things with the ultimate goal of competing in 2020. Free agency is underway and the GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona have come and gone. Now, everything will probably stay on the quiet side until the Winter Meetings begin in December.

However, that does not mean the Cubs are relieved of their duties by any means. Change needs to occur and the time for those changes is now. At the GM Meetings, Theo Epstein stressed a no-untouchables strategy as a means of showing that change is coming and the front office knows what needs to be done. However, the Cubs should consider keeping guys around: including outfielder Nicholas Castellanos and shortstop Javier Baez.

Castellanos’ joining the Cubs last season brought a much-needed spark to Chicago that will resonate with fans for years to come. Re-signing him could only be beneficial to the Cubs in the long run. Baez is another fan favorite who is essential to the team’s core and future prosperity. It is hard to imagine the possibility of the Cubs without him in upcoming years.

Castellanos and Baez are two pieces of the team that should remain stationary. However, change will definitely need to occur in other areas. One of these areas is the bullpen. Craig Kimbrel will probably enter 2020 at the team’s closer. Besides Kimbrel, there are many pieces of the bullpen entering free agency, insinuating the dire need for change. Clearly, Epstein and the front office have their work cut out for them.