"The Cubs are clearly prioritizing pitching this winter, which is as much a matter of necessity as anything else. They need to completely overhaul a bullpen that lost almost all of its key members to free agency, plus the rotation needs a jolt. After facing a bevy of flamethrowing high-leverage arms in the postseason, Jed Hoyer knows he's got work to do."
"At the same time, the Cubs need to replace Kyle Tucker's early-season production. Rather than just hoping that comes via big steps forward from Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros, both of whom could also be dangled in trades for controllable starters, Hoyer will look to add a big bat. That could be a strategic fit like Rob Refsnyder, who is a perfect platoon bat on paper because he crushes lefty pitching and won't cost a grip."
"Then there's Alex Bregman, who keeps being connected to the Cubs after spurning their offer for a better deal from the Red Sox last winter. I have noted more than once that I don't like the idea of adding Bregman, whose middling defense and flagging power don't figure to age well over the life of what should be at least a five-year deal."
The Cubs are prioritizing pitching upgrades this winter out of necessity after losing key bullpen members to free agency and needing rotation reinforcement. Facing many flamethrowing high-leverage postseason arms highlights the urgency for additions. The team also needs to replace Kyle Tucker's early-season production and may not rely solely on internal improvements from Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros. Controllable prospects could be used in trades for starters. The front office may pursue a complementary hitter like Rob Refsnyder or target a splashy veteran such as Alex Bregman, though concerns exist about Bregman's defense and declining power. Nico Hoerner remains under team control for another year and factors into extension and trade considerations.
Read at Cubsinsider
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