Chicago Cubs News: Tempering expectations, Carlos Correa, and more

There is no question that new Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson won over the fanbase with his introductory press conference last week. Swanson, signed to a seven-year deal worth $177MM with a full-no trade clause, spoke glowingly about the Cubs' plan to return to contention and that is a big part of the reason why he chose to sign with the team.

There is no doubt that there are comparisons that could be made between the 2023 Cubs and the 2015 Cubs. The 2015 Cubs were entering the season fresh off the signing of veteran starting pitcher Jon Lester and Lester chose the team because of the plan that was laid out to him by then-president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and then-general manager Jed Hoyer. The 2015 season was the bonus season for the Cubs. Everything went right for the Cubs and that would be the reason why they were able to reach the National League Championship Series.

Entering 2023, if the Cubs are going to make the postseason, everything will need to fall in their favor. As currently constructed, the Cubs are a team that, if everything goes right, can potentially reach the .500 mark. That mark likely won't be enough to win the National League Central division as the St. Louis Cardinals are still a step ahead of the team. The Cubs have gotten closer to the Milwaukee Brewers but when you factor in the gap between the Cubs and other National League teams such as the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Atlanta Braves, the Wild Card does not seem like a realistic possibility for the team.

There is no doubt that the Cubs have taken a step in the right direction this offseason but this team still has more work to do before they can be considered a legitimate contender to make the postseason.

Carlos Correa Update

In an update on the negotiations between shortstop Carlos Correa and the New York Mets, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that at least three teams have reached out to Correa. The Mets' medical team raised flags over the same ankle injury that Correa suffered in 2014 that led to the Giants backing out of their agreement with the shortstop last week. Heyman indicates that Correa is focused on finalizing the deal with the Mets at the originally agreed-upon mark of 12 years for $315MM but places the overall odds of the deal being made official at 55%.

In case you missed it

Take a look at some of the content that you may have missed over the course of the holiday weekend.

Three items remain on the Chicago Cubs' holiday wish list.

Nico Hoerner proved once again why the Cubs need to extend him.

The Cubs will enter the 2023 season with at least four players that have won Gold Glove awards in the past.

The current left-handed power hitting options on the Cubs' roster.

The Cubs are past the point in which they can trade Kyle Hendricks.

Four left-handed offensive bats still available on the free-agent market.

Three trade targets for the Cubs to improve their offense.