Chicago Cubs: 4 reasons why 2024 is the year you should have circled

Chicago Cubs: The Iowa Cubs will be something to keep an eye on

In 2012, the year Theo Epstein and the gang rolled into town, the Iowa Cubs came in last place, posting a Pacific Coast League-worst 53-87 record and finishing 28 games out of first.  By 2014, after just two seasons of restocking and drafting, they finished with a 74-70 record. That 2014 I-Cubs team spawned the core of the team that led the Cubs to their 2016 World Series title.

Today, the Iowa Cubs are again mired near the bottom of the Triple-A East Midwest Division.  Pay close attention to the fortunes and the roster of this team if you want a gauge on who the new core will be and when they’ll be arriving in the Show.

Chicago Cubs: September call-ups and other roster maneuvers

For September 2021 the roster expands from 26 to just 28, down from the usual 40 spots.  We’ll have to see if the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, assuming there is a new CBA, impacts this issue.

However, look for the Cubs to start rotating guys up and down from Iowa to the Windy City as they assess the talent in their system.

This has already begun with several pitchers and position players and it will happen with increasing frequency as the 2022 and 2023 seasons progress.

It’s difficult to project now who will be a part of the new core. More players will arrive via trade, others through the draft.  But this is where the action will be for the next two seasons.