The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for the MLB regular season with heightened expectations after a busy offseason. By acquiring stars Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, they aim to establish themselves as favorites in the National League Central. However, the team faces a potential one-year window for contention due to the stars being in their final contract year. Despite these key additions, the Cubs' overall spending remains less than previous seasons, prompting concerns among fans about missed opportunities, particularly with Alex Bregman, who opted for the Boston Red Sox instead.

This decision raises questions about the Cubs' long-term strategy, especially with top prospect Matt Shaw potentially stepping into the third base role. While hope remains for Shaw's development, the team might regret not making a stronger push for Bregman, a proven leader and winner during his time in Houston.