Chicago Cubs Gearing Up for 2024 Season
With David Ross out and Craig Counsell in as the Cubs Manager, the new-look North Siders seem to be at the top of what can only be described as a wide-open NL Central Division. Led by stars Dansby Swanson and newly resigned Cody Bellinger, the Cubs look to get back to the MLB postseason for the first time since the strange 2020 season.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer LaRue
As for NL Central foes Milwaukee Brewers, they are entering a short rebuilding phase following their blockbuster trade sending star Pitcher Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles for what was viewed as an underwhelming return package. However, they have a lot of young pieces to look forward to, especially Outfielder Jackson Churios, who is currently ranked 2nd on the MLB Top 100 Prospects List. In the Cincinnati Reds' case, they have been viewed as one of the dark horses to contend in the National League. Headlined by Shortstop Elly De La Cruz, the Reds are an incredibly young and exciting team that really exceeded expectations last season and look to build upon that this season with a Division Title.
In addition to personnel changes, the Cubs have invested in their player development system, nurturing young talent within their farm system. With a keen eye towards the future, the organization has prioritized grooming the next generation of stars to ensure sustained success for years to come. According to MLB Pipeline, the Chicago Cubs currently have the 2nd ranked Farm System in the Major Leagues, behind only the Baltimore Orioles. The North Siders, however, boast the most prospects on the MLB’s Top 100 List with 7 players. Their top-ranked prospect, Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, got a small taste of the big leagues at the end of last season, and while he struggled at the plate during that stint, he flashed the elite defensive abilities that have the Cubs hoping to have him as their Center Fielder for years to come. The Cubs acquired an additional top prospect, First Baseman Michael Busch, in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers sending away one of their young pitching prospects, Jackson Ferris.
Overall, while many Cubs fans have viewed this offseason as an underwhelming one, considering the lofty expectations they had after last season, General Manager Jed Hoyer did accomplish the most essential moves the team needed, the biggest one being resigning Cody Bellinger – though that took much too long from the fan's perspective. So, with newcomers such as Japanese star Shota Imanaga and a loaded farm system, the Chicago Cubs have a very exciting future with Opening Day for the 2024 Season right around the corner.
