The Chicago Cubs are facing a challenging situation. Participation in the playoffs as the third wild card team in the National League seems almost impossible due to the six-game deficit and the remaining 14 games. Despite numerous close games, such as the 6-5 loss in overtime against the Colorado Rockies, optimism remains within the organization.
The focus is already on the upcoming season. The Cubs, who have had a rollercoaster ride this year between a strong start to the season, two weak months and a determined recovery, are determined to strengthen the team for the future. Jed Hoyer‘s front office and Craig Counsell‘s coaching team are working hard to optimize the pitching strategies.
A possible reinforcement could come from a long-term signing of an All-Star like Max Fried or a one-year contract with a pitcher like Walker Buehler who wants to regain his health and performance. Agent Scott Boras plans to place top pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, who could significantly strengthen the team.
The Cubs have made some smart deals in the past, such as the four-year, $53 million deal with Shota Imanaga, which led to a fruitful partnership between the Japanese pitcher and the Cubs pitching program. Jameson Taillon has also proven to be a reliable pitcher with his four-year, $68 million deal.
In addition to the major signings, the Cubs are also relying on their young, talented pitchers such as Ben Brown, Hayden Wesneski, Jordan Wicks and Cade Horton, who are expected to provide depth for the Triple-A station in Iowa. Other promising talents such as Justin Steele could be secured through long-term contracts. Steele, who is about to return after an injury break, has already signaled that he feels ready to pitch again.
Javier Assad, one of the most reliable pitchers of the season, has stood out from the crowd and should continue to play an important role next season. With a 3.27 ERA over 27 starts, he has gone from a solid swingman to a staple in the rotation.
The Cubs now have to make strategic decisions to remain competitive next season. The goals are clear: improve pitching quality, achieve higher team performance and make playoff dreams a reality.
What changes are the Chicago Cubs considering for their pitching rotation in the 2024 season?
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Chicago Cubs Look Ahead to 2024 Season Amidst Playoff Uncertainty
As the 2023 MLB season enters its final stretch, the Chicago Cubs are facing a daunting task: overcoming a six-game deficit to secure a wild card spot in the National League playoffs. Despite the odds being against them, the organization remains optimistic, with their focus already shifting towards the upcoming season.
A Season of Ups and Downs
The Cubs have experienced a rollercoaster of a season, with a strong start, followed by two dismal months, and a valiant recovery effort. While the team’s recent close games, such as the 6-5 loss in overtime against the Colorado Rockies, have been disheartening, they have also highlighted areas for improvement.
Strengthening the Pitching Rotation
To address these issues, Jed Hoyer’s front office and Craig Counsell’s coaching team are working tirelessly to optimize the team’s pitching strategies. One possible solution lies in signing top-tier pitchers to bolster the rotation. All-Stars like Max Fried, who could be signed to a long-term deal, or Walker Buehler, who may be open to a one-year contract to regain his form, could be attractive additions.
Agent Scott Boras is poised to shop his clients, including Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, who could significantly strengthen the Cubs’ pitching corps. The team’s past successes in negotiating smart deals, such as the four-year, $53 million contract with Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, demonstrate their ability to find value in the market.
Homegrown Talent
In addition to pursuing high-profile signings, the Cubs are also relying on their young, talented pitchers to provide depth for their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. Ben Brown, Hayden Wesneski, Jordan Wicks, and Cade Horton are just a few of the promising prospects expected to make an impact. Other talented players, such as Justin Steele, could also play a crucial role in the team’s future success.
Building a Strong Foundation
The Cubs’ approach to building a strong foundation is two-fold. Firstly, they are focused on developing their young pitchers through their vaunted pitching program. This program has already yielded fruitful partnerships, such as the one with Imanaga. Secondly, they are targeting top free agents to reinforce their rotation.
By combining these two approaches, the Cubs are well-positioned to make a meaningful push for the playoffs in 2024. While the current season may be slipping away, the organization’s long-term vision is clear: to build a consistent winner that can compete with the best teams in the National League.
Key Takeaways
The Chicago Cubs are facing a challenging situation in the 2023 MLB season, with a six-game deficit in the wild card race.
Despite the odds, the team remains optimistic, with their focus already shifting towards the 2024 season.
The Cubs are prioritizing pitching reinforcements, including potential signings of All-Stars like Max Fried and Walker Buehler.
The team is also relying on their young, talented pitchers, such as Ben Brown and Hayden Wesneski, to provide depth for their Triple-A affiliate.
* The organization’s long-term vision is to build a consistent winner that can compete with the best teams in the National League.
Optimized Keywords: Chicago Cubs, MLB, playoffs, wild card, pitching rotation, Max Fried, Walker Buehler, Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Jed Hoyer, Craig Counsell, Shota Imanaga, Ben Brown, Hayden Wesneski, Jordan Wicks, Cade Horton, Justin Steele.
– What are the Chicago Cubs’ main objectives for the 2024 season?
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Chicago Cubs Look Ahead to 2024 Season Amidst Playoff Uncertainty
As the 2023 MLB season enters its final stretch, the Chicago Cubs are facing a daunting task: overcoming a six-game deficit to secure a wild card spot in the National League playoffs. Despite the odds being against them, the organization remains optimistic, with their focus already shifting towards the upcoming season.
A Season of Ups and Downs
The Cubs have experienced a rollercoaster of a season, with a strong start, followed by two dismal months, and a valiant recovery effort. While the team’s recent close games, such as the 6-5 loss in overtime against the Colorado Rockies, have been disheartening, they have also highlighted areas for improvement.
Strengthening the Pitching Rotation
To address these issues, Jed Hoyer’s front office and Craig Counsell’s coaching team are working tirelessly to optimize the team’s pitching strategies. One possible solution lies in signing top-tier pitchers to bolster the rotation. All-Stars like Max Fried, who could be signed to a long-term deal, or Walker Buehler, who may be open to a one-year contract to regain his form, could be attractive additions.
Agent Scott Boras is poised to shop his clients, including Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, who could significantly strengthen the Cubs’ pitching corps. The team’s past successes in negotiating smart deals, such as the four-year, $53 million contract with Japanese pitcher Shota
