Chicago Cubs News: Positive takeaways from the 2020 season

While it wasn’t the outcome many Cubs fans hoped for, the 2020 season had some positives for next year.

After getting off to a 13-3 start, many, including myself, thought the Chicago Cubs were the perfect team to have success in a 60-game span.

Sadly, things took a turn for the worst and the team couldn’t reach ten games above .500 until the final weeks of the season before limping into the playoffs with a record of 34-26.

They did manage to win their division, but now looking back many agree the competition wasn’t the best. The four teams from the NL Central (Cubs, Cardinals, Reds, Brewers) who qualified for the playoffs combined for just one win in the Wild Card Series.

The core players of their team struggled like we’ve never seen before, and with a large majority set to hit the free-agent market after next season, the front office has a lots of decisions as to which direction the team should head moving forward.

FanSided 250

Fansided250 Logo

Where do the Cubs rank?

See 2019 Rankings

As if those choices weren’t tough enough, there have been talks of late about the future of the team’s President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein.

Like his core players, Epstein’s contract is set to expire after next season. After some comments he made earlier this week, it seems like he already has his bags packed.

“For me, as an individual, there is a benefit for change, after a significant amount of time on the job,” Epstein said. “I have to keep that in mind without making any definitive statements.”

Sounds like a nice way of Theo telling the Cubs, “it’s not you, it’s me”.

It’s safe to say the future of the Cubs is certainly up in the air, and for that matter the future of baseball.

There are no guarantees of a 162-game regular season, which could add to the decision making this offseason.

Let’s just say things are what we’re accustomed to in 2021. Epstein will still lead the front office, David Ross will still be the manager, and the Cubs probably won’t blow up the team entirely.

The 2020 regular season wasn’t a fan favorite, but there are some positive things to take with us into next year.