Chicago Cubs: Imagination, intrigue and the case for a 2025 starting lineup

Whichever cliché you want to use to describe the Chicago Cubs at this year’s trade deadline does not take away from the immense feeling of dread that swept across Wrigleyville when the club shipped off its core, spread throughout both the National League and American League.

The challenge Jed Hoyer faced leading up to the deadline was no small feat. Work to build the next great core, keep the fans happy, or some combination of both? Whether they admit it or not, Fans did not have any better solution than Hoyer — despite the countless armchair quarterbacks voicing their displeasure.

It sucks, truly. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Báez were the heart and soul. Now, they go forth and have a shot at a postseason and possible World Series appearance. However, it is not an ‘even’ year, so the San Francisco Giants and, by extension, Kris Bryant are out.

Looking forward is the move now, however, and thankfully the Cubs landed some nice returns for the “Big 3” to add to their already underrated system. So, looking a few years down the road, what will the 2025 team possibly look like? Well, we have much of that question answered and a clearer picture.

Chicago Cubs: A higgledy-piggledy starting rotation

I’m going to be the first to say that as things stand, it is a little rocky for this starting rotation heading into the future. The Cubs added left-hander Jordan Wicks from Kansas State as their first-round pick in the draft and have current major league starter right-hander Adbert Alzolay working on grooming himself into a more consistent role.

Brailyn Márquez’s path to club ace is seemingly proving to be more complex, and the Cubs could realistically end up moving Márquez to the pen for high leverage situations. Right-hander Kohl Franklin has shown glimpses of greatness in his way, as Franklin finished with a 2.31 ERA at Low-A in 2019 over ten starts.

Unfortunately, after one appearance at High-A, where he gave up one run in three innings, the dreaded injury bug derailed Franklin’s season. However, he can still be a solid contributor.

Following the trade deadline deals, the guards were changing as righty D.J. Herz will more than likely be a part of a rotation a few years down the line. Herz is still just 20 years old, but he’s been pitching with a plan. He pushes the top 30 on nearly every list and has huge strikeout numbers at Myrtle Beach.

Outside of that, a handful of guys could potentially be contributors to the pitching staff, but it is so far out it is anyone’s guess. Looking at it now, I would suggest Alozlay and either of Wicks or Franklin as the top dogs now as guys like Keegan Thompson and Cory Abbott may be trade chips.

Justin Steele falls in line with Márquez regarding the possible starter-turned-reliever situation, but we’ll see how his work and arm continue to progress. Herz should be a guy who may be able to add something special to the rotation.

Chicago Cubs: Speed will rule this outfield

From a two-sport athlete in high school to shifting focus strictly to baseball, Brennen Davis was the prospect in the 2018 draft who was primarily passed over. Since he joined the organization three years ago, Davis has not finished a season with a wRC+ lower than 130, a remarkable feat on its own. The Cubs see Davis as their guy in center field. Davis sees himself in center field. By 2025 expect Davis to have been in the lineup for three seasons as a premier toolsy player.

Two of the more intriguing outfield prospects, Ismael Mena and Jordan Nwogu, would complement Davis perfectly. All three are listed as center fielders. However, we know how that usually goes in the long run. Mena was acquired as a part of the Yu Darvish deal last winter. Nwogu landed in Chicago as a third-round selection in 2020.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis
• Cubs might start to limit Justin Steele’s workload soon
• Cubs: Adrian Sampson is forcing his way into the conversation
• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season
• Cubs fans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel

The Cubs will need a strong core in the outfield and a core that learns and understands how to communicate. Veteran and morale leader Jason Heyward will be a free agent after the 2024 season, and despite the massive contract and inconsistent bat, the Cubs will lose that leadership.

A third name who could be in consideration is recently promoted, Nelson Velazquez. The 22-year-old began his year in High-A before the recent jump. However, Nelson found serious power and mashed 12 home runs in just 69 games. Thus far at Tennessee, Velazquez is hitting .273 with a 185 wRC+. He has the time, and the Cubs can develop his talents well before he hits his prime.

Alexander Canario, who the Cubs acquired in the Kris Bryant deal, is primed to be a staple. Canario is only 21 years old, and through five games at High-A with Myrtle Beach, is hitting .389 with a 165 wRC+. He could end up being the best outfield prospect not named Brennen Davis.

In the deal with the New York Mets for Javier Báez, Pete Crow-Armstrong represents yet another superb outfield bat. The 19-year-old was hitting .417 at Low-A St. Lucie before the trade and his left-handedness should complement Davis nicely. The 2025 season will be right in line with where I hope the Cubs have his development.

Outfielders are a dime a dozen much of the time. However, the Cubs have some unique talents in the wings, and they need to continue to take advantage of the talent. Then, the Cubs will be okay.