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3 early red flags for the Chicago Cubs entering the 2023 season
The Chicago Cubs front office has done a great job this offseason regarding keeping their promise towards opening the checkbook and fielding a competitive team in 2023. With the additions of Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Jameson Taillon, Eric Hosmer, Brad Boxberger, and Tucker Barnhart, the Cubs have vastly improved from where they were just a season ago. There's still a need to work out a couple of kinks, but for the most part, they look to be in a position to compete for an NL Central division title this year.
In position and being favored are two very different things, though. It takes a lot of work to go from winning 74 games to being a favorite to win your division two months later. So, should the Cubs miss the postseason in 2023, it isn't a failure by the front office as long as noticeable improvement is displayed on the field. If they want to get to that point where they can be viewed as a favorite, they must start by addressing these three red flags that still stick out.
3 red flags for the Cubs' 2023 season - Ian Happ is the only power lefty
As it sits, the Cubs only boast one power lefty in the lineup in Ian Happ. Of course, you can throw Cody Bellinger in that mix should he return to form, but he's not quite a clear-cut lock to do so. The newest left-handed bat, Eric Hosmer, has never been a serious power-hitter, and although he should provide league-average offense, the Cubs missing on Michael Conforto was not ideal. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma nicely illustrated in depth the Cubs' lack of lefty-power as well, and you can check that out here.
Assuming the Cubs are in contention around the trade deadline, this is likely an area of need. They could also trade before the season starts, but getting their hands on a frontline starting pitcher is more beneficial at this point in the offseason. If Matt Mervis should pan out, he also provides a nice spark in the left-handed power department. However, at this point, he is still in the uncertainty category at the major league level, so more will be revealed.
3 red flags for the Cubs' 2023 season- left-handed relief options
Although the bullpen could easily be a strength for the Cubs this season, adding another lefty weapon is imperative for the pitching staff. We know the Cubs need a true closer, and thankfully there are still a few available in free agency. Andrew Chafin is a fan-favorite that comes to mind that could be particularly beneficial to the Cubs should they look to use some of their remaining financial resources there.
In 2022, the Cubs bullpen was only 21st in the league with a collective ERA of 4.12. Fast forwarding to this year, there is far greater depth, primarily among the bulk relief options, who had success as starters last season. Names like Adrian Sampson, Javier Assad, and Keegan Thompson all figure to serve a vital role out of the pen, With Brandon Hughes and Brad Boxberger currently slated for the back-end roles. Codi Heuer will eventually be back around summertime, which should also provide a spark.
All of those above, aside from Hughes, are right-handed pitchers. The Cubs will need to land a bonafide stud if they wish for the bullpen to be a real strength moving forward. They did sign lefties Roenis Elias, Anthony Kay, and Ryan Borucki to minor-league deals. Suppose one should pan out, fantastic. The front office, however, could undoubtedly use more proven firepower.
3 red flags for the Cubs' 2023 season- potential but not expected
One thing to point out is that the Cubs have many guys in the lineup or bullpen who "could" be fantastic. as stated with the bullpen, they do not have a surefire closer, and instead of currently relying on one lefty in Brandon Hughes to be sufficient—hoping that one of the three LHP on minor-league deals is not a safe bet, could also prove detrimental as the season rolls on. Elsewhere, Cody Bellinger, a former MVP, needs to find his swing to be considered a serious weapon for the Cubs next season. Again, potential, but hard to be confident in.
Matt Mervis, another high-potential bat, is unproven so far, and there's no way to know if he'll be conducive to the Cubs. Like many others before him, he is not someone who can place a safe bet on and assume they'll produce. Of course, if Bellinger and Mervis do well, it will give the Cubs one of the better lineups in the National League. It is problematic that the front office is slightly relying on the chance that those things should happen.
Next. Three positions of need for the Chicago Cubs . dark
However, they also can't necessarily be held accountable either. They made a good push for specific players, like Jose Abreu, for example. Pulling off a trade for a hitter this winter is never off the table and is a great way to further rocket the team up the MLB power rankings. Nevertheless, uncertainty is not the best way to start a season as it sits. The dividends will be massive if paid off, though.