3 offseason changes that need to happen if the Cubs miss the playoffs again

3. It's time to turn that vaunted prospect haul into big league talent, addressing glaring needs on the roster

In the latest MLB Pipeline update, the Cubs tied for the most top 100 prospects in the game with six. What separates Chicago from other teams, though, is all six of those players are now at Triple-A, giving them a half-dozen pieces that are just about big league-ready.

The problem is, at multiple positions, those prospects are blocked. So it's as simple as this: either trade from the 26-man or start packaging up these young players in order to shore up key areas on the roster. We know Hoyer has at least started to consider this based on his conversations with the Angels ahead of the trade deadline for catcher Logan O'Hoppe, but getting deals across the finish line will be a 'must' this winter.

The Cubs have a lot of quality pieces - but underperformance from key guys and the weaknesses on the roster have handcuffed the 2024 team and has them desperate for a season-ending hot streak to turn their fortunes around. If these prospects aren't going to have a road to the MLB roster, moving them may be the best move in his arsenal to get back to the postseason.