3 ways the Cubs can fix their offense without sacrificing their pitching plans

The Chicago Cubs shouldn't ignore their offense this offseason. Pitching is going to be focus of the winter, and that likely will rule the Cubs out of a reunion with Seiya Suzuki. In a similar sense, the Cubs probably aren't going to be the top bidder for Randy Arozarena. That doesn't mean the Cubs won't fix their offense.

What is unique about the Cubs is even with the loss of Suzuki, they have enough pieces in place to still have a good offense in 2027. But, there are three areas they can address in their starting lineup without taking a way from the reality that most of their resources will be geared toward pitching.

3 ways the Cubs can strengthen their lineup without abandoning pitching priorities

Before we get started, a reminder, it's highly unlikely that the Cubs add a high-ticket item to their offense this offseason. But, with potential additions at catcher, first base, and in the outfield, the Cubs can still make meaningful improvements to their starting lineup.

Catcher - Carson Kelly

The impression appears to be leaning back in the direction of Carson Kelly returning to the Cubs. First and foremost, without Kelly, and the lack of worthwhile catching options on the free-agent market, the Cubs run the risk of their catching becoming a weakness next season.

That's not meant to be a slight of Miguel Amaya or Owen Ayers, it's just there are several unknowns about that pairing. Kelly posted a wRC+ above 100 in each of the last two seasons with the Cubs, and become a vital piece to the team's in-game pitching plan. A return just makes sense, even if it means the Cubs going to a level for Kelly's return we previously thought they wouldn't.

First Base - Paul Goldschmidt

The 2026 season was meant to be a test for Michael Busch. Instead of being a platoon option at first base, sitting against left-handed pitchers, the Cubs wanted to see if he could handle the starting role full-time. He failed, though not for the reason anyone would have thought. Busch was actually better against lefties than he was righties last year, but the power completely disappeared from his game. There wasn't a step forward in terms of his overall offensive production.

One way the Cubs can be creative about improving their offense this offseason would be reverting back to a platoon situation at first base, and an ideal option is available in Paul Goldschmidt. With Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton presumably healthy, the Yankees don't really have a spot for Goldschmidt, who wants to play next year. He hit 11 home runs against lefties last year, with a batting average of .299 and a wRC+ of 168.

Outfield - Steven Kwan

Two things can be true. If nothing else, the Cubs might be comfortable with the idea of Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez having expanded roles in the outfielder next year, but they may have the realization that neither should be a permanent starting option.

If I had to guess, the Cubs probably want to avoid a situation where Ramirez and Shaw are asked to start over 150 games in the outfield this season. The Cubs could scour the trade market for a starting outfielder, and ideally one who isn't carrying a long-term contract. That could point them in the direction of Steven Kwan, who has one final year of arbitration. His contact-oriented approach would be a different look for the lineup, and that might be needed, considering the Cubs lived and died with the home run last summer.

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