The Chicago Cubs got an ‘F’ in their offseason grades

The Chicago Cubs received an ‘F’ for their final grade. I’ll admit, I’d at least give them a’D,’ but not an F.

The Chicago Cubs earned at least a ‘D’ in their offseason grades, not an ‘F.’ Jeremy Jeffress and Jason Kipnis at least made up for the letter. As well as Danny Hultzen, Tyler Olson, PJ Higgins and more. ‘The Cubs’ offseason included little to no signs of improvement, or even a willingness to improve.’ h/t  Katherine Acquavella, CBSSports.com

That’s cold. Look, the luxury tax hampered them. And they, as well as our writers, were hooked on the Kris Bryant train. And rightfully so. Willson Contreras was part of that. In the end, either David Ross, Jed Hoyer or Theo Epstein decided not to do it.

And that was a brilliant idea. There’s talent there. Ian Happ, Kipnis, who’s home in Chicago, and Steven Souza Jr. And that’s second base.

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Katherine Acquavella also added this:

"‘Overall, Chicago only made minor tweaks to its roster, and the team could very well miss the playoffs for the second straight season in 2020. The Cubs signed outfielder Steven Souza Jr., right-hander Jeremy Jeffress and left-hander Tyler Olson.’"

Yikes. That’s not pleasant. But in the end, they may be able to make the playoffs. The only team that made significant changes was the Cincinnati Reds. They got an ‘A-.’ The rest of the division? ‘C’ or lower.

And the Reds weren’t primed for a big season. Sure, they got Nicholas Castellanos and Mike Moustakas. And honestly, I can assign a grade to the Cubs. It doesn’t mean it matters.

Okay, they didn’t add that many players. And honestly, it’s low risk, high reward players. Do they fail? They’re shipped out. Period. But at least they added players. And the ones that were there? Nico Hoerner, Duane Underwood Jr., Miguel Amaya and Dillon Maples are all on that list of ‘breakout’ stars.

Make no doubt about it. They have the talent to win. And Ross may lead them there. He’s got a three-year with a club option for a fourth. Let’s hope he gets to the fourth year of that club option.