3 reasons why the Chicago Cubs can still contend in 2025

2. The bullpen will be reconstructed

Even if the Cubs sell at the deadline, it won't be a complete teardown like we've seen in the recent past. This team is trending in the right direction and needs the right supporting cast to solidify itself and contend. If you've watched all year, you know the team needs major upgrades in the bullpen. Those upgrades are going to come this winter, at the very least. There is positively zero chance that Jed Hoyer will leave this bullpen in shambles, given that it's the primary catalyst for the team not being in a playoff spot at this juncture.

Looking ahead to free agency, there are a plethora of solid arms that can provide bullpen help. Brooks Raley, Kirby Yates, Wandy Peralta, Clay Holmes, Tanner Scott, and many more are unrestricted free agents. Thankfully, the Cubs won't need to spend very big in the offseason to fine-tune this roster, and the 25.0M coming off the roster is more than enough for at least two of those arms. That mark is before we see what happens with Cody Bellinger at the trade deadline, so that number may substantially increase. Regardless, the Cubs will reinforce the weakest part of their roster.