Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner's status for the upcoming season remains uncertain following flexor tendon surgery he underwent earlier this offseason. He has not yet begun his throwing program or hitting practice, raising questions about his readiness for Opening Day, which is scheduled for March 18 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan. Last season, Hoerner played through the injury, impacting his throwing ability.

The 27-year-old, who hit .273 with seven home runs and a .335 on-base percentage last season, has emerged as one of the Cubs' key players, also excelling on the base paths with 31 stolen bases in 2024. He received a Gold Glove Award in 2023 for his defensive prowess. Despite trade rumors circulating earlier in the offseason, the Cubs opted to keep Hoerner, possibly influenced by his ongoing injury concerns.

Hoerner is under contract through the 2026 season after signing an extension before the 2023 season. Once cleared, he is expected to play alongside Dansby Swanson at shortstop for the Cubs, who finished tied for second in the National League Central last season, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by ten games.

The Houston Astros have signed free agent first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year contract, which likely indicates the end of Alex Bregman's tenure with the team. Bregman, a key player since 2016, boasts impressive stats and postseason achievements, making him an all-time great for the franchise.

As Bregman enters free agency, several teams are potential landing spots, including the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Detroit Tigers. Each team presents unique opportunities and challenges for Bregman as he looks to continue his career.

The Chicago Cubs finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, placing second in the NL Central. Despite a solid run differential suggesting a better performance, they missed the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.

Key contributors included Shota Imanaga, who excelled as a rookie pitcher, and Seiya Suzuki, who had a standout offensive season. However, the bullpen's struggles and underperformance from certain positions hindered their success.

Looking ahead, the Cubs have several key free agents and will need to address their catching and bullpen needs to improve in 2025.

The Chicago Cubs faced a disappointing 2024 MLB season, failing to meet expectations despite strategic moves. However, the emergence of young talents like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch provided some optimism for the future.

Heading into the offseason, the Cubs have a strong core and depth, which President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer emphasized as a crucial asset. With several prospects on the MLB Pipeline Top 100, the team has the potential to make impactful trades or upgrades.

On October 15, 2024, MLB announced the finalists for the 2024 Gold Glove Awards, showcasing exceptional defensive talent across the league. Notable nominees include Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies and Dansby Swanson of the Chicago Cubs.

Finalists were selected based on votes from MLB managers and coaches, alongside the Society for American Baseball Research's Defensive Index. The winners will be revealed on November 3, 2024.