Cubs' Silver Slugger nomination sends Jed Hoyer an offseason reminder he can't ignore

FanSided revealed the finalists for the Louisville Silver Slugger awards, and after the Chicago Cubs boasted one of the league's best offenses in 2026, it's no surprise they are well represented. Alex Bregman is a finalist among National League third basemen, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong are finalists among National League, and the Cubs are among the National League finalists for the team recognition.

For as lifeless as the Cubs' offense looked when they were swept by the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card round, it's a reminder that offense wasn't the problem for the Cubs last season. With that reminder, though, it should also serve as a warning for what Jed Hoyer can't do this offseason.

There's no denying what's been the messaging from Hoyer since the Cubs were eliminated from the playoffs last month. Offense wasn't the problem and won't be a problem moving forward, and the Cubs need to have a laser focus on improving their pitching staff this offseason. Hoyer has already confirmed that most of the moves this winter will be geared toward the pitching side of the roster.

Cubs' Silver Slugger nod delivers an uncomfortable reminder for Jed Hoyer

Yes, the Cubs will enter the 2027 season with Bregman and Crow-Armstrong on their roster. That's certainly not a bad starting point. But, this is also a Cubs team that likely won't have Seiya Suzuki, and probably will be without Ian Happ. Not to mention, the potential losses of Michael Conforto, Tyrone Taylor, and Carson Kelly. That's a lot of offense to be walking out of the door, and as of now, it's not clear exactly how the Cubs plan on replacing their departures.

Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez could have a larger role in the outfield, but both struggled mightily against right-handed pitching. Miguel Amaya and Owen Ayers could be a competent catching tandme, but there's risk with Amaya's injury history and the fact that Ayers would be a rookie. The bench almost certainly would need to be revamped, considering Justin Dean and Gabriel Arias would be the only tenured veterans available.

Not to mention, the questions the Cubs are facing with the continued offensive regression of Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner's inconsistency, and Michael Busch's 2026 power regression.

Suddenly, it's possible the Cubs go from one of the game's best offenses in 2026 to the offense being a concern in 2027. Hoyer can't ignore that foreshadowing, and while pitching is going to be the dominant trend, the Cubs must add established hitters to this roster.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow