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3 Cubs players who could be the difference between success and failure in 2024
Rolling into 2024, it's important to identify who makes the difference between success and failure for the Chicago Cubs.
Lately, all things Chicago Cubs-related have centered around whether they can land Cody Bellinger this winter. Granted, in doing so, this team is poised for a step forward. Beyond that, several players on this roster can add a jolt of success if that player is closer to the level of upside they have. There's nothing better than a player on a team breaking out when you weren't expecting him to. Here are three players that could be the difference between success or failure for the Cubs in 2024.
3 Cubs who could make a difference - 3. Jameson Taillon
2023 was the tale of two halves for Jameson Taillon's first year with the Cubs. In the first half of '23, Taillon drastically underperformed with a 6.70 ERA. He allowed a .275/.331/.479 slash line and a .346 wOBA to opposing hitters. The only thing you could do to defend him at the time was to point out that he was due to some positive regression based on his 4.90 FIP. Once the calendar flipped to July, that hope became a reality.
In the second half, Taillon turned into the pitcher the Cubs signed him to be last winter. He recorded a 3.70 ERA the rest of the way and showed flashes that he can be more than just a #4 or #5 in the rotation. Truth be told, the Cubs have Justin Steele, followed by a lot of hope in guys like Shota Imanaga and the rest of the starting rotation. Taillon is a guy who, if he pitches like his first-half self, will be a significant obstacle for the Cubs to overcome. However, if he can pick up where he left off at the end of 2023, he can be a big reason why the Cubs compete this coming season.
3 Cubs who could make a difference - 2. Christopher Morel
After a fantastic offensive season for Christopher Morel, the 24-year-old is a key part of this team's plans. He is one of those players who can take the Cubs from good to great this coming season. He is a high-upside player who seems to get lost in the mix of guys we aren't overly dependent on. However, he has the talent to break out in 2024. His electric energy is contagious for both the team and the fans in attendance, and with one swing of the bat, he can change the momentum of a game single-handedly.
The power for Morel is off the charts. When he barrels a baseball, it doesn't matter if the wind blows in or out. What the Cubs need from him is to avoid being a liability defensively. His bat to this point is why he is where he is, but being able to lock down a position, such as third base, allows him to play daily and have that much-needed pop in the lineup. He hit 26 HRs and drove in 70 RBIs in just 107 games last season. No doubt, the sky is the limit, and he is a major X-factor for the Cubs reaching the postseason in 2024.
3 Cubs who could make a difference - 1. Pete Crow-Armstrong
The Chicago Cubs' top prospect, Pete Crow-Armstrong, makes the list at #1 due to the sheer necessity of the team's farm system needing to produce this year. The club has players such as Happ, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki, and hopefully, Bellinger, but for the Cubs to step back into the realm of being great, the next wave of players need to make an impact. Crow-Armstrong is the first bat in the lineup that needs to produce this season, and it would be great if he comes out of the gate hot.
Luckily for the Cubs and their many outfield prospects, Crow-Armstrong can do more good than harm. Hypothetically, if the Cubs Bellinger, massive pressure doesn't need to be on him. You want the Cubs to sign Bellinger for his bat and because it provides a safety net in center field. Still, the plan is to give Crow-Armstrong the reigns one way or another, and that's why we are still waiting to see these outfield prospects packaged in a deal for a blockbuster trade.
For that to happen, someone needs to work out first. It isn't just about him being a good player. Crow-Armstrong has the chance to be the solution for the Cubs, which gives the front office the luxury of moving some outfield prospects to address vital needs and not risk pulling the trigger on a trade prematurely.
I'm not worried about the 0-14 start in the MLB, especially given that Cubs former manager David Ross didn't give him time to get into a rhythm and adjust to major league pitching on the grandest stage. That will not be the case with Craig Counsell, assuming Crow-Armstong makes the team out of spring training. If he does, it will be because he has a solid spring showing and proved he is ready to compete at the highest level. Whether it's to start the year or later on during the season, when Crow-Armstrong comes up, he can fortify the Cubs lineup if he locks in.
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