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Cubs still have weaknesses even if they sign Carlos Correa
This offseason has been a much-needed change of pace from years past for the Chicago Cubs, and they may not be done yet. Even after signing Marcus Stroman to by far the largest contract, the team has given out in some time, the Cubs have been consistently linked to the top free agent of the class, Carlos Correa.
It’s been a breath of fresh air for fans to see the organization be in the thick of free agency, and stay true to their word that they’d spend “intelligently” in order to upgrade the roster. Assuming the Cubs stay the course with their self-proclaimed intelligent spending strategy and bring Correa to the North Side, it would certainly go a long way toward getting the team back into contention.
However, even if Correa is brought into the mix, the Cubs will still have work to do before they’re ready to be a postseason team again. This was a team that was torn down to the studs at the trade deadline, and while big spending will certainly accelerate the rebuild/retool efforts, there’s still a good amount of holes on the roster that need patching up.
Perhaps the most glaring weakness on the team currently is the outfield. As it stands now, you can make the argument that the outfield has no reliable pieces in it. The main candidates that are returning from last season are Jason Heyward, who is coming off the worst offensive season of his career, Ian Happ, who simply can’t find any consistency, and Rafael Ortega, a journeyman who caught fire with the Cubs last year.
Chicago Cubs: Can breakout candidates, bounceback guys perform in 2022?
The team did make an interesting addition in Clint Frazier, but he too has had his problems in the majors. It’s not a stretch to say that the outfield is the team’s Achilles heel, and it may be something the Cubs are better off waiting to fix. Help is on the way somewhat soon in the form of Brennen Davis, but until then it may be wiser in the long run for the team to hope someone previously mentioned, or perhaps someone like Greg Deichmann, can contribute next season, as throwing another big contract out in addition to Stroman and potentially Correa isn’t practical.
Another area that could be of relative concern is both of the corner outfield spots. While both Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel both made the most of their opportunities and each got a few rookie of the year votes as a result, there is some reason to believe they could be flashes in the pan. Both players were not expected to be anything for the Cubs, with Wisdom being a minor league free agent signing, and Schwindel being a waiver claim, and each has been with a few different organizations over the years.
In the end, however, both were given opportunities with the team after the deadline, and both produced promising offensive outputs. The Cubs would be wise to go into a wait-and-see mode with the pair and adjust their strategy accordingly. Hopefully, the duo can work their way into being a new version of Bryzzo, but the team should be prepared for if they regress.
Chicago Cubs need more proven commodities in the bullpen
The bullpen had many positive signs as the year came to a close, as guys like Scott Effross, Manuel Rodriguez, Rowan Wick, and Codi Heuer formed a promising nucleus, but one thing the bullpen lacks is a true closer. The team tried a few different relievers there, but no one had any true success in the role. Heuer and Wick each had some hard luck-blown saves, but neither seems like the best option to be a lockdown ninth-inning man as of now.
It’s tough to say what the Cubs should do for a closer right now. Tossing big money at a closer doesn’t make sense right now for the team, so they’ll need to find an internal candidate. Wick and Heuer may get more looks, but Rodriguez may have the best stuff for the role with his 100 MPH sinker. The team may be best served going closer by committee but they certainly have time and options to decide.
dark. Next. Cubs need to seriously consider making a run at Jeff McNeil
There’s not much of an argument against the Cubs making a move for Correa. It’s a move that gives the team a cornerstone for the future, would rejuvenate the fanbase, and show that the front office and ownership are committed to winning. But there will still be work that needs to be done to make the entire roster around him contender level. Correa would be a very positive move for the team, but there are still holes to patch up.