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.

The Chicago Cubs have benefited from one-year contracts, as seen with Cody Bellinger in 2023. However, they may regret not pursuing Teoscar Hernandez last offseason. Hernandez has been a key player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and boasts impressive stats, making him a prime candidate to address the Cubs' offensive needs.

Despite his potential fit with Chicago, Hernandez's outstanding performance may lead him to seek a lucrative multi-year deal, possibly exceeding $100 million. If he remains unsigned, the Cubs should consider reaching out, but the Dodgers are likely to prioritize retaining him due to his contributions.

The Chicago Cubs are strategizing to enhance their roster for a competitive 2025 season. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the team recognizes the need to address weaknesses, particularly in the bullpen, which cost them a playoff spot.

Another priority is to inject more power into their lineup, especially given their struggles at home in Wrigley Field. The future of Cody Bellinger will significantly influence their offseason plans, and they are considering potential acquisitions like Anthony Santander to bolster their offensive capabilities.