Chicago Cubs: 3 areas the front office must improve this winter

Chicago Cubs: 3 areas to improve this winter – 1. Coaching Staff

So, we all know the Cubs struggled mightily in the pitching department. At the end of the day, how much of that falls on coaching? The Cubs ranked 27th out of 30th in 2021 with a 4.87 team ERA. For one, it’s easy to say professional pitchers shouldn’t need coaches, they are professionals, after all.

However, it is in fact up to the pitching coach to help struggling pitchers either make tweaks to their mechanics or help them figure out what’s going on. For example, Davies goes from posting a 2.73 ERA with San Diego last season (granted, shortened season due to COVID) to a 5.78 with the Cubs one year later. Three full runs higher than just a season ago is absurd.

Recently, at the conclusion of the season, the Cubs fired hitting coach Anthony Iapoce and assistant pitching, catching and strategy coach Mike Borzello. These are certainly steps in the correct direction, but now it will also be up to the front office to make the proper hires, including even possibly a new pitching coach to replace Tommy Hottovy.

It’s understandable that players go through ups and downs. It happens. But to continue doing so for nearly an entire season presents the possibility that something is not clicking in the coaching department, especially when players have shown prolonged success in the past.

Not only do the Cubs need pitching, they need the proper pitching coach to support the pitching staff as well. Chicago cannot exceed expectations for 2022 if they do not have both of these things in place. To say the least, the front office will be extremely busy this winter.