The 2024 season has been a tough one for the Chicago Cubs, who brought in Craig Counsell hoping for a successful turnaround akin to the Milwaukee Brewers. However, a strong start was not sustainable, leading the Cubs to miss the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, marking their absence since 2018.
Given this disappointing season, the upcoming offseason is crucial for the Cubs. General manager Jed Hoyer, if he remains in his position, must make impactful moves to ensure the team is in contention for a playoff spot by 2025. According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, one key focus is adding starting pitching.
“The Cubs plan to bring in an established starter to complement Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Javier Assad. There’s a clear need for a free agent who can be relied upon for 30 starts and perform in crucial playoff games. This move would not only enhance the rotation but also strengthen the bullpen and provide depth at Triple-A Iowa. Players like Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, Hayden Wesneski, and Cade Horton are expected to play supporting roles,” Mooney reported.
Interestingly, the Cubs’ rotation was their strongest asset in 2024, ranking eighth in the majors with a 3.59 ERA, third in the National League. When healthy, their starting pitchers are elite, so adding a top-tier pitcher could elevate them to the best rotation in the league. It will be interesting to see how this affects their ability to bolster other areas, such as the lineup and bullpen.
Challenges of a Mike Trout Trade
Since signing his massive 12-year extension with the Los Angeles Angels, MLB fans have hoped to see Mike Trout traded. Many want to see one of the game’s greatest players in a postseason setting, as he has only played in three postseason games, all a decade ago.
However, multiple factors complicate a potential trade, as outlined by Sam Blum and Andy McCullough of The Athletic.
“Trout is unlikely to leave. Given his age, injury history, and financial commitment, the Angels may have to absorb a significant portion of his salary just to find a trade partner. One executive described the difficulty of moving Trout as ‘incredibly’ challenging.”
While Trout remains an elite player when healthy, injuries have limited his appearances, playing in just 266 of 648 games since 2021. At 33 years old and with a salary exceeding $37 million through 2030, his trade value is further diminished.
Moreover, Trout holds a no-trade clause and has shown no desire to leave the Angels. Even if that changes, the team must find a willing buyer while being satisfied with the return. Given all these challenges, the Angels may be better off hoping for his health and performance in their lineup.
Brewers’ Free-Agent Target
Though the Milwaukee Brewers are focused on the postseason after clinching their division title, they’re also keeping an eye on the upcoming offseason.
With several key free agents, including star shortstop Willy Adames, one player drawing interest is Rhys Hoskins. If Hoskins opts out of his $18 million player option for 2025, the Brewers might pursue a top-tier first baseman like Christian Walker, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“While Pete Alonso will be the highest-paid first baseman on the market, executives believe Christian Walker will attract more interest at a lower cost. The Brewers are among several teams considering Hoskins if he opts out,” Nightengale stated.
Hoskins has had a solid season with a .213/.299/.415 slash line, 25 home runs, and 77 RBIs over 125 games. However, Walker is viewed as a more complete player, combining power with excellent defensive skills.
While affording Walker could be challenging, Hoskins’ potential departure would free upg making it feasible to pursue a player like Walker, who would significantly strengthen the Brewers’ roster in 2025.
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