3 positions the Chicago Cubs need to improve before Spring Training

The Chicago Cubs have been active this offseason as the team raised the floor of their expected level of production. The free-agent signings of shortstop Dansby Swanson, starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, and center fielder Cody Bellinger will likely prove to be the biggest additions to the team's roster in 2023.

Swanson, at least until top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong arrives, instantly became the face of the Cubs' franchise when he signed his seven-year deal worth $177MM last month. Taillon adds a veteran presence and another quality arm to the Cubs' starting rotation. And Bellinger represents a significant defensive upgrade for the Cubs in center field.

Not to be lost in the discussion is the Cubs' signings of catcher Tucker Barnhart, first baseman Eric Hosmer, and relief pitcher Brad Boxberger. Each of the signings is acceptable when looking at each in a vacuum but does little to move the needle for the Cubs overall.

Spring Training is about one month away and there are three positions that the Cubs must still address.

3 positions the Cubs need to improve before Spring Training: Third Base

With Cubs' manager David Ross already on a record in saying that the plan is for Christopher Morel to serve as a super-utility player for the team in 2023, the current projection has Patrick Wisdom as the team's third baseman to begin the season. Wisdom has hit 25+ home runs in each of the past two seasons but still has significant swing-and-miss in his offensive style and his fielding at third base regressed during the 2022 season.

If the Cubs plan to address their lack of power before the start of Spring Training, there is a chance that the team may look to trade for a third baseman that has more offensive consistency while also not being a liability in the field.