This Chicago Cubs offseason grade highlights a major concern

The Chicago Cubs concluded their Cactus League scheduled on Sunday with the focus now shifting to the start of the regular season on Thursday.

The Cubs are entering the 2024 season with the expectation of winning the National League Central but their offseason has allowed for doubt to remain with that prediction.

It's not that the Cubs had a bad off-season, however, it was one that left many fans with a desire for more. The Cubs were opportunistic with their additions as Hector Neris and Shota Imanaga both represent much-needed improvements to their pitching staff while on team-friendly deals. The Cubs also believe they've addressed their first base need with the trade of Michael Busch, a 26-year-old former top prospect from the Dodgers who has yet to reach his arbitration years.

Of course, Cody Bellinger returning on a three-year deal is the move that transformed the Cubs' activity this off-season from a failure to a success.

It's no surprise that the grade The Athletic's MLB Staff gave the Cubs' offseason was a B. It was good but it wasn't great and that should be enough for the team to win the National League Central this season.

The attention for the Chicago Cubs remains on third base.

The only need that wasn't addressed, according to the The Athletic's grade, was third base.

Injuries to Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal have all but confirmed that Christopher Morel will be the Opening Day third baseman for the Cubs. The question for Morel is not his offensive profile as he should be among the team leaders in home runs this offseason but if he can provide the defensive consistency that is needed at the position.

If Morel proves to be the long-term answer at the third base position, that will ultimately change how the team's offseason is viewed. Until then, many fans may be counting down the days until top prospect Matt Shaw makes his Major League debut.

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