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***Official 2023 Chicago Cubs Thread***

Cubs are still in a fine position - my only hope right now is that we don’t just band-aid all our questionable positions. I’m not big on multiple one year deals when trying to build something. I would’ve loved Glasnow to pitch for Ohtani’s year out of pitching, but I think I’d rather get someone we can grow with.

I think 2025 could be pretty special. If you’re out on Ohtani, I think the focus this offseason needs to shift to how can we make sure we’re a WS quality roster in 2025.
 
cycloneman003 said:
Holy **** is that an over reaction. So we’re hearing we’re likely not going to get Ohtani, which was always the most likely outcome regardless of money. And we’re probably not throwing $300mil at a rookie pitcher in Yamamoto. So that means it’s all over lol good lord
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I'm not saying anything is "all over". We have a good young core that they've done a great job acquiring and developing. But this is playing out EXACTLY like the SS market last year. We build ourselves up as being some spender in the month or so leading up to free agency, and then feign surprise at the asking prices and go right back to the bargain bin. "Whaaat? They want $600 million for Ohtani?" Of course they do. It's especially maddening knowing we are 1 or 2 pieces away from being a pretty darn competitive team.

I guess I'm just over the posturing and inevitable letdown that seems to come with Jed/Tom every year.
 
The other thing to remember throughout this offseason is Jed’s in a weird position. His contract is up after 2025, and I don’t see it being extended if he never makes the postseason, so that gives him 2 years.

My newest thinking is maybe Imanaga for a long term guy, 1 year of Hoskins, 1 year of Glasnow, and a 1 year CF rental to prepare PCA. Stay under the luxury tax, see if you got a sure thing in Shaw, PCA, Mervis/McGeary, splurge yourself on the positions prospects dont show they can hold down in 2025.

Bandaid a playoff team for 2024, make sure your prospects have an opportunity to prove themselves for 2025, splurge.
 
I am more than okay not spending $300M plus a posting fee to get a guy that's never thrown a pitch in North America. Let the Mets take that chance and cripple their roster if it doesn't work while paying huge luxury tax.

Sign Montgomery. Trade for Glasnow as a rental (as long as Morel isn't in the deal). Decide whether you want to sign Hoskins or let Mervis/Wisdom/McGeary share 1B. Stick Morel at 3B to see if he sinks or swims defensively knowing that Shaw may be up in July and get an outfielder on a bridge deal to PCA.

That's enough to win the division this year and then go all in next offseason.
 
1UNI2ISU said:
I am more than okay not spending $300M plus a posting fee to get a guy that's never thrown a pitch in North America. Let the Mets take that chance and cripple their roster if it doesn't work while paying huge luxury tax.

Sign Montgomery. Trade for Glasnow as a rental (as long as Morel isn't in the deal). Decide whether you want to sign Hoskins or let Mervis/Wisdom/McGeary share 1B. Stick Morel at 3B to see if he sinks or swims defensively knowing that Shaw may be up in July and get an outfielder on a bridge deal to PCA.

That's enough to win the division this year and then go all in next offseason.
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There are some good pitching options for 2024-2025, but bats are pretty "meh" outside of Alonso:

www.mlbtraderumors.com

2024-25 MLB Free Agents

The pitching class in the 2024-25 offseason is stacked! Click to see all the projected free agents.
www.mlbtraderumors.com www.mlbtraderumors.com
 
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Clonefan32 said:
There are some good pitching options for 2024-2025, but bats are pretty "meh" outside of Alonso:

www.mlbtraderumors.com

2024-25 MLB Free Agents

The pitching class in the 2024-25 offseason is stacked! Click to see all the projected free agents.
www.mlbtraderumors.com www.mlbtraderumors.com
Click to expand...
You got Bregman at 3B if Shaw/Morel don’t prove themselves

You got Alonso at 1B if Mervis/McGeary don’t prove themselves

You got Soto if both corner infield spots are covered by prospects who prove themselves
 
I’d pass on Glasnow—-has never eaten up innings, is expensive, and would require some solid prospects. Would the Cubs take a shot with guys like Mike Clevinger, Trevor Bauer, or Michael Lorenzen? All would be significantly cheaper but come with various concerns for the FO.

I actually want the Cubs to see what they have this year with some prospects before they get sell happy with them in deals that could have been done for 1 year guys like Soto or Glasnow.
 
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CyState85 said:
I’d pass on Glasnow—-has never eaten up innings, is expensive, and would require some solid prospects. Would the Cubs take a shot with guys like Mike Clevinger, Trevor Bauer, or Michael Lorenzen? All would be significantly cheaper but come with various concerns for the FO.

I actually want the Cubs to see what they have this year with some prospects before they get sell happy with them in deals that could have been done for 1 year guys like Soto or Glasnow.
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I wasnt in love with the idea of Glasnow until the last day or two.

If you get Ohtani, Glasnow serves as the 1 year placeholder while Ohtani gets healthy

Additionally, Glasnow/Hendricks combined $31 MM come off the books after next year, which gives you a chance to spend $31 MM on one pitcher while ideally Horton is ready to go.
 
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Can someone help me with what drew him to Toronto...?

I guess in a way I'm glad it's not the Dodgers.
 
If Ohtani is actually nearing a decision that'll finally get the market moving. There is still a ton they can do to improve this roster and I'm a big fan of some of the short term moves they can do without tying up tons of long term money if Ohtani isn't on the cards.

Glasnow would be a great add IMO. He has front of the rotation stuff and with only being under contract for a year, the risk is low. Yeah he'll probably miss some starts, but Cubs have a slew of young pitchers to fill in and that's actually a bonus. Those young guys are likely on inning limits, need eased in, etc. Big fan of Hoskins on a 1 year rebound type deal.

On a little longer term side, I'd be a fan of Chapman. Decent bat and good glove at 3B. Having a stellar infield is great with this staff. Imanaga isn't getting much noise right now, but I think there'd be a fit there.
 
I just hope Ohtani doesn't re-sign with the Angels. They didn't win with him and probably won't even if he stays with them. It would be a shame to have a generational talent not even get to participate in the playoffs.
 
Not sure I want to be in on Chapman long term. He's probably going to get paid well too given the lack of 3B on the free agent market - see what Candelario just got which was more than most probably thought he would get. He'll be 31 and he does have a great glove but he's a career .240 hitter that I don't think is going to trend up at this point. One projection for 2024 has him at a slash of .233/.326/.427/.753 with 21 HR 62 RBI and 155 strike outs.

I'm still skeptical about Bellinger being able to maintain that kind of production too. Sucks that outside of Ohtani there aren't a lot of great options to confidently sign to big long term deals. May have to acquire that bat through a trade possibly or just be patient and see if 1 or more of our upcoming prospects can make a big impact in the near future. Maybe a short term fix is a reunion with Jorge Soler on a 1 year deal but he'd be a pure DH at this point. Keep hearing about Hoskins as a possibility for 1B but again he'd have to be on a short deal too.
 
Ohtani hates the media and Toronto can shield him from it the way the Angels did while still giving him a chance to win. It all makes sense.
 
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