The Chicago Cubs are making significant moves this offseason after finishing the last two seasons with an 83-79 record, positioning them in second place in the National League Central. The team has added notable players Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea to enhance their pitching depth while trading Cody Bellinger to alleviate their payroll burden. However, the most impactful change was acquiring superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. The trade, involving inconsistent third baseman Isaac Paredes, reliever Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith, has sparked excitement among fans and players alike.

Pitcher Justin Steele expressed his enthusiasm on the 'North Side Territory' podcast, highlighting Tucker's impressive skills both at the plate and in the field. Steele noted their past matchups in the minor leagues, recalling Tucker's potential as a future star. Although their MLB confrontations have been limited to three plate appearances, Tucker has made an impact with a double and an RBI against Steele. With three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove to his name, Tucker is ready to take a leading role with the Cubs, despite uncertainty about his long-term stay. As the 2025 season approaches, the Cubs' prospects look brighter with Kyle Tucker in the lineup.

The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season, aiming to break their playoff drought after finishing with 83 wins in 2024, missing the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. The hiring of manager Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers didn't yield immediate results, but the acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros is seen as a significant boost to their offense. Tucker, known for his MVP-caliber abilities and Gold Glove defense, is expected to enhance the Cubs' performance.

In addition to Tucker, the Cubs have bolstered their roster with depth signings, including catchers Carson Kelly and Matt Thaiss, and reliever Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians. They also signed Matthew Boyd to a two-year deal, addressing their need for starting pitching. The current rotation, led by Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, is ranked 10th in baseball, with promising young arms like Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks poised to make an impact.

Despite ranking 11th in star power and 15th in depth, the Cubs are optimistic about their future, especially if they can secure Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, who could elevate their pitching staff significantly. With the potential addition of Sasaki, the Cubs could transform into a formidable contender, supported by a mix of established and emerging talent on the mound.

The Chicago Cubs are actively reshaping their roster, particularly with the addition of super utility man Vidal Brujan, who was acquired in a trade that sent former top prospect Matt Mervis away. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance their lineup as top prospects, including Matt Shaw, are poised to contribute significantly to the team. While Shaw is favored to start at third base on Opening Day, the Cubs are being cautious in fully committing to his role just yet.

Despite the recent trade, the Cubs have made it clear that their primary focus remains on bolstering their pitching staff. They are particularly interested in Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, who could provide much-needed rotation depth not only for the upcoming season but also for the future, as several key pitchers on their roster are nearing free agency. The Cubs have a history of successfully recruiting Japanese talent, having previously signed players like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, which could give them an edge in their pursuit of Sasaki.

With their recent efforts to create a welcoming environment for Japanese players, the Cubs are in a strong position to potentially land Sasaki, who could become a cornerstone of their pitching rotation for years to come. As they continue to explore their options this offseason, the Cubs are determined to make significant strides in both their lineup and pitching depth.

The MLB offseason is marked by player movements and roster changes, but not every player benefits from switching teams. Mark Feinsand highlights that starting pitcher Matthew Boyd should consider re-signing with the Cleveland Guardians for the 2025 season.

Boyd, who has struggled with injuries, showed promise after returning from Tommy John surgery, posting an impressive 2.72 ERA in eight starts. His performance in high-pressure situations during the postseason further solidified his value to the Guardians, who are in need of solid starting pitching.

With the Guardians expressing interest in retaining Boyd, a reunion seems advantageous for both parties if they can agree on a contract.

The upcoming MLB free-agent market is rich in starting pitching talent, providing teams with numerous options after a challenging season for starters.

Players will be categorized into various brackets, with predictions for their next teams and contract values. Notable pitchers include Shinnosuke Ogasawara, who is expected to sign with the Chicago White Sox, and Tomoyuki Sugano, likely to join the San Francisco Giants.

Veterans like Clayton Kershaw and Blake Snell are also highlighted, with Kershaw anticipated to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Snell may land with the Boston Red Sox.