2025 Cubs

[Butcher]

I suppose it's time to turn the page...

[MrSheps]

Mixed feelings about Bellinger coming back. Obviously like him on the team, but with PCA and Busch he's less needed at that salary.

Happy Happ won another GG.

[1060Ivy]

It’s messed up that having a solid ball player return to the team makes it unlikely the Cubs roster improves.

Bellinger’s salary seems about right for his production combined with leadership. Unfortunately, given the lack of power on roster and outfield prospects with Happ, PCA, Suzuki plus Tauchman, just doesn’t seem like Cubs will make moves necessary to better compete in the NL Central

[Butcher]

I look for them to try to add a starting pitcher and that's about it.

[rok]

Probably will trade some prospects for a reliever and SP, but also expect Jed to rummage through the FA discount bin for another bat to rotate around OF/IF and DH.

[MrSheps]

I wonder how much pressure Jed feels this year and if it impacts his cautiousness. Assuming he's on the hot seat and without a new deal (though with this ownership, who knows) I would expect him to make some sort of more aggressive move than he might otherwise. Assuming he doesn't get a green light to spend more, that would mean a trade.

[1060Ivy]

Not certain if Jed will get fired if Cubs don’t make playoffs next season. As long as Ricketts is making tons of cash, Jed doesn’t have to win

[MrSheps]

Not certain if Jed will get fired if Cubs don’t make playoffs next season.  As long as Ricketts is making tons of cash, Jed doesn’t have to win

This is my thought too, but then why not simply give him a contract extension now? That's the hope I'm holding on to. Not that I want him fired now, I just want to see a shake up if this season isn't a notable step forward.

[1060Ivy]

Extending Jed now would communicate to fans that winning isn’t a requirement by ownership. That’s not a message that Ricketts want fans to hear prior to tickets being sold. Recall that the decade long wait list for season tickets is a thing of the past. Back to 20 game and weekend package season tickets available as demand has dried up

[Butcher]

I've had season ticket reps call me three or four times trying to sell me different packages; never thought I'd see the day. I had season tickets for 14 years and it was fun, but I can't justify it anymore. It's a lot cheaper to buy tickets on SeatGeek or hit up my buddy for his tickets.

[1060Ivy]

Can writers simply edit their articles from last season stating that Ohtani is less likely to sign with the Dodgers than most believe and replace Ohtani with Sasaki?

Would be ideal to get a young flame throwing starter for the Cubs rotation but what team’s rotation isn’t improved by him?

Find it interesting that one line of reasoning on why Sasaki won’t sign with Dodgers is that the Japanese advertising opportunities might be limited for him as the Dodgers already have Ohtani and Yamamoto. Yeah, Japanese consumers are likely oversaturated with 2 Japanese Dodger players, they would never purchase something from a 3rd Japanese player on the same team. Would he be competing against these players for his share? Yes but he would be facing them as competition for advertising opportunities playing on any team. The Dodgers are likely a better known entity in Japan which provides a benefit

[rok]

Given that Sasaki will only earn a minor league salary plus signing bonus, I see no universe in which he comes to the Cubs over one of the powerhouse coastal teams.

[Butcher]

Given that Sasaki will only earn a minor league salary plus signing bonus, I see no universe in which he comes to the Cubs over one of the powerhouse coastal teams.

My only hope is that he won't want to play in the shadow of Ohtani. But I could see San Diego being an attractive destination for him. Darvish is incredibly well-respected with Japanese ballplayers and he could mentor him. Plus, the west coast proximity factor would be appealing.

The Cubs have clearly done a solid job making Chicago a destination for Japanese players, but can they do it again? I'm not so sure...

[1060Ivy]

DFA for Adbert. Not surprising but still hope that Cubs will resign him to MiLB deal. He had 24 saves in 2023 and really came through for the club. Don’t see him as productive till late 2025 season

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/4248...ources-say

Cubs also DFA’d Brennen Davis. Davis just could not keep healthy. Won’t be surprised if he moves on as his time with Cubs seemed injury plagued

[rok]

Hard to believe Davis is already 25, but he’s been in the organization forever. Hope he doesn’t lose faith in himself after all these setbacks. And sad to see Adbert go, but time to move on. Good luck to him whenever and wherever he can pitch again.