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 are prioritizing their underwhelming lineup this offseason, but enhancing their pitching staff remains crucial. With two strong left-handed pitchers already in place, acquiring a reliable right-hander could greatly benefit their rotation.

Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, despite his impressive career, struggled in 2024 and may not be the right fit for the Cubs. Analysts suggest the team should avoid taking a chance on him, especially given his declining performance. Instead, focusing on quality arms is the way forward for the Cubs as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Chicago Cubs are facing a crucial offseason after a disappointing 2024 season, where they failed to build on their previous successes. Despite hiring Craig Counsell as manager, the team struggled with offensive inconsistency and early bullpen issues, leading to a stagnant win total.

As the front office, led by President Jed Hoyer, prepares for potential roster upgrades, the future of Cody Bellinger looms large due to his player option. With promising prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch emerging, the Cubs may explore trade options involving infielder Luis Vazquez and outfielder Kevin Alcantara, both of whom have shown potential but need to develop further.

The Chicago Cubs will miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, primarily due to inconsistent offensive production. While the starting rotation performed admirably, Kyle Hendricks struggled significantly this season.

Despite early-season woes, including a dismal bullpen with a 4.61 ERA, the team made adjustments that led to a turnaround. The bullpen's improvement, particularly with a young pitcher emerging as a potential closer, showcased the influence of manager Craig Counsell.

As the Cubs reflect on their season, questions arise about how a stronger bullpen could have affected their competitiveness against the Milwaukee Brewers, who dominated the National League Central.

In a thrilling matchup, the Philadelphia Phillies secured a 9-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs, clinching a first-round bye for the playoffs. Key performances included homers from Nick Castellanos, Trea Turner, and Kody Clemens, with Castellanos also recording three hits and three runs scored.

This win solidified the Phillies' NL East title, their first in 13 years, and ensured home-field advantage in the NLDS, beginning Oct. 5. Manager Rob Thomson plans to give regulars some rest in the final series as the team focuses on maintaining momentum heading into the postseason.