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3 offseason moves we already wish the Chicago Cubs had done
We would like a redo option on these moves.
The Chicago Cubs had an active offseason, however, it did not begin in earnest until the calendar flipped to 2024.
The Cubs were linked to several high-profile players at the start of the offseason. Whether it was potential trades for Juan Soto or Tyler Glasnow and a potential free-agent pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, there was an expectation that the Cubs were going to be aggressive as they looked to enter the 2024 season as the clear favorites to win the National League Central division.
After all, that was minimally what could be expected after the team shelled out $40MM for Craig Counsell.
While the Cubs did not have the blockbuster move that many were anticipating, the team was successful with the moves that they made.
The additions of Michael Busch, Shota Imanaga, and Hector Neris were complementary moves to the Cubs bringing back Cody Bellinger.
Still, many fans were left with a taste for more.
As the first week of the regular season is now underway, there are some moves that the Cubs should have made after all.
3 offseason moves the Cubs should have done -- Sign Rhys Hoskins.
The upset of the offseason may be that Hoskins is not the starting first baseman of the Cubs. There was an overwhelming expectation that Hoskins was going to be the primary offensive addition to the Cubs' lineup for the 2024 season.
Hoskins is now with the Milwaukee Brewers and is off to an excellent start to the season with a 143 wRC+ through his first 17 plate appearances. Michael Busch's advanced numbers suggest a breakout is in order this season but there is no suggestion needed for Hoskin's start.
2. Trade for Shane Bieber
The depth of the Chicago Cubs pitching staff has already been put into question with injuries to Caleb Kilian, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon. Of course, of the three, the injuries to Steele and Taillon have a direct impact on the Major League team. While Taillon is expected back within the next two weeks, Steele is expected to miss the entire month of April.
Shota Imanaga's debut remains an encouraging sign for the Cubs' rotation but chances are the team will be in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline in July.
That would be the reason why the team should have finalized their trade for Shane Bieber this offseason. The Cubs and Cleveland Guardians were engaged in trade discussions regarding Bieber for most of the offseason.
Chances are the two teams will revisit talks in a couple of months. Bieber has been excellent to start the season as he hasn't allowed a run in 12 innings pitched while striking out 20.
3. Trade for Jarred Kelenic
One of the first trades of the Major League Baseball offseason was the Seattle Mariners trading former top prospect, outfielder Jarred Kelenic to the Atlanta Braves. The move was made at a time when the Cubs likely believed that Cody Bellinger would not be returning to their outfield for the 2024 season.
That is likely the reason why Kelenic's availability on the trade market intrigued the Cubs' front office. It would have been interesting to see the universe where the Cubs traded for Kelenic and also brought Bellinger back. That likely would have pushed the Cubs to have some comfort in moving one of their top outfield prospects in a trade.
Kelenic is off to a tremendous start with the Braves this season. Kelenic has 6 hits through his first 13 plate appearances this season. The Cubs' outfield is in a good spot but the addition of Kelenic likely would have created other trade avenues for the team to firmly address their need for pitching.
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