Cubs Rumors: Jed Hoyer says offense will ‘look different’ next year

Jed Hoyer is ready to lead the Cubs through an offseason of uncertainty.

The Chicago Cubs have announced a five-year extension for their new president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, that will run through the 2025 season. The news comes less than a week following the resignation of Theo Epstein.

Hoyer was formally introduced via press conference Monday where the 46-year-old outlined his goals and plans for the future.

A shortened 2020 season for the Cubs featured an inconsistent offense, which ended the season scoring just one run in two postseason losses against the Miami Marlins. The late-season offensive woes have become a theme for the Cubs who have not won a playoff game since 2017.

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The struggles at the plate have led many to wonder if this offseason will involve significant turnover to the roster. During his press conference, Hoyer was repeatedly asked by reporters about the potential changes of this team.

“On the offensive side we want to look, feel, and perform differently than we have the last few years.” Hoyer said on Monday. “I can’t define significant change, but do I think we need to be different as an offense? No question. I think we have to identify what we’ve done poorly and work to improve. So yes, I do think the offense will look different next year.”

It’s hard to determine exactly what Hoyer means by this statement, but if I had to guess, I would say there are plans on making changes to the offensive approach and execution, rather than significant roster turnover this offseason. I say this because of the responses Hoyer gave in regards to the uncertainty at the moment.

When asked about the status of Kris Bryant and if the team has any plans to trade the former MVP, Hoyer declined to answer. The same goes for Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, and Anthony Rizzo who will become free agents after this upcoming season. Instead, Hoyer explained there are no ongoing extension talks, but there are “players they would like to have, and probably pick up in the future.”

The vague answers show the reality that there are questions affecting the team’s budget for the 2021 season such as fans (real human beings) in attendance, the number of regular season games, and a designated hitter in the National League.

“We’re not going to wait forever, but I think waiting to figure out what happens this winter makes sense.” Hoyer said.

Among the new additions, since Hoyer was sworn in, is the promotion of former big leaguer Chris Valaika who spent the past few seasons as the Cubs minor league hitting coordinator. Valaika will take over the role of assistant hitting coach, previously held by Terrmel Sledge. Another position that needs to be filled is the role of base coach, after Will Venable’s hiring as the Red Sox’ new bench coach.

Hoyer will also be in search of somebody to take his old position as the team’s GM. Hoyer explained there is no timetable to find a replacement, and the hiring will come from an outside source.

It appears there still are no clear-cut  answers to the future of the Cubs following the official introduction of Jed Hoyer as the new president of baseball operations. Like many things in this current state of uncertainty, we will have to wait and see.