MLB insider says Cubs are 'the team to watch' the rest of the offseason

Big things are coming for the Chicago Cubs.

At least, that's what MLB insider Buster Olney is hearing. With less than a month until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, a number of high-profile free agents remain unsigned (due largely to the fact they're all represented by Scott Boras, who is slow-playing the market). Chicago has several areas they'd like to upgrade on the roster between now and Opening Day and all signs point to Jed Hoyer doing just that.

Cubs have several big moves left to make before spring training

To this point in the offseason, the Cubs' biggest addition is left-hander Shota Imanaga, whose deal became official on the eve of Cubs Convention last week. The Japanese southpaw led all NPB pitchers in strikeouts last year and should add some much-needed swing-and-miss to Chicago's rotation in 2024.

The Cubs also added a consensus top 50 prospect in Michael Busch in a rare prospect-for-prospect swap, hopefully getting a long-term solution at first base in the process. But it's clear the offense still needs 1-2 bats added to the mix and the bullpen could really stand to benefit from a shutdown signing, too.

Cody Bellinger remains the elephant in the room, with pretty much everybody expecting him to reunite with the Cubs when it's all said and done. Matt Chapman remains a possibility at third base and free agent starters Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery continue to search for new homes, as well. And let's not sleep on Josh Hader - a longtime staple in Craig Counsell's Milwaukee bullpens - either.

It might not feel like it here in Chicago given the weather, but the offseason (and winter) are winding down - and the Cubs figure to be front and center in the coming weeks as teams ramp up for camp in Arizona and Florida.