Without major upgrades in these two areas, the Cubs are bound to fail again in 2025

We've already taken a look at the Cubs' infield picture heading into the offseason and the possibilities in the outfield, many of which will be impacted by Cody Bellinger's opt-out decision. Frankly, neither were glaring weaknesses for Chicago in 2024. The bench and catcher position, though, were a different story altogether.

The tandem of Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya, a solid duo in 2023, was supposed to hold down the fort again this year, with the elder statesman Gomes passing the torch to Amaya, a former top prospect. Instead, by June, the Cubs designated Gomes for assignment as Amaya also struggled, forcing the front office to plug holes in the hull of the ship with bubble gum to get through the summer.

A mid-season adjustment helped Amaya turn a corner at the plate, but a September swoon again raised questions about what his role should be in 2025. There's no world in which the Cubs can open camp with him as the projected Opening Day starter, so either via trade or free agency, we'll see a new face behind the dish next year.