What the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day lineup would look like if the season started today

We have been having the same conversations about the Chicago Cubs' offense each offseason that Jed Hoyer has talked about the factors that led to the team missing the postseason.

Hoyer was promoted to President of Baseball Operations for the Cubs following the 2020 season with no postseason appearances to show for it.

Admittedly, Hoyer's first two seasons included a much-needed destruction of the core that won the World Series in 2016 and then a full rebuild season in 2022. The Cubs' front office wasn't expecting to contend in 2023, and their roster construction proves it, but that argument doesn't hold for a 2024 season that saw the organization hand out the richest managerial contract in MLB history to Craig Counsell.

One of the points of contention when looking at the Cubs' starting lineup over the past two seasons is that they have lacked a hitter that can change the course of a game. Cody Bellinger's 2023 season was the closest the Cubs have been to having an impact hitter in their starting lineup but even then, it was mostly due to a two-month stretch.

Entering this offseason, the Cubs will need to find a way to change that fact. Look no further than what their current starting lineup would be if the season started today.

1. Ian Happ, LF

Ian Happ found his home at the top of the Cubs' starting lineup to close the 2024 season. Until Pete Crow-Armstrong validates his second-half success from last season, Happ likely gets the nod as the team's leadoff hitter.

2. Cody Bellinger, RF

Until the day arrives that Cody Bellinger is traded, he is their starting right fielder. However, he may already have his bags packed.

3. Michael Busch, 1B

Michael Busch's 2024 season was a year of adjustments but the former Los Angeles Dodgers' top prospect never failed to take a step forward in his development. The Cubs have a keeper at first base.

4. Seiya Suzuki, DH

When healthy, Seiya Suzuki is the Cubs' offensive player. No other comment is needed.

5. Dansby Swanson, SS

Dansby Swanson was injured for most of the first half of the 2024 season and his offensive turnaround during the final two months should ease some concern entering 2025.

6. Isaac Paredes, 3B

Isaac Paredes' struggles after being acquired by the Cubs at the MLB Trade Deadline last season have fans ready for Matt Shaw. With an offseason to adjust, Paredes should return to form in 2025.

7. Nico Hoerner, 2B

This may be where Matt Shaw slides into the Cubs' starting lineup, but until Nico Hoerner's recovery from offseason surgery proves otherwise, he is the team's starting second baseman, and that isn't a bad thing.

8. Pete Cow-Armstrong, CF

In the closing months of the 2024 season, Pete Crow-Armstrong showed why he could be the Cubs' next blue-chip player. There will be an adjustment, and how Crow-Armstrong responds will be the key.

9. Miguel Amaya, C

The 2024 season proved that Miguel Amaya shouldn't be the Cubs' everyday catcher, but Matt Thaiss won't unseat him.

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