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.
