The Washington Nationals kick off their Spring Training schedule against the Houston Astros on February 22, a crucial time for a young, rebuilding team. The team is watching several players closely this spring, including third baseman Brady House, the No. 11 overall pick in 2021, who must improve from a disappointing .250 BA last season in Triple-A. Right fielder Dylan Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, needs to solidify his Rookie of the Year candidacy after a challenging debut. Starter Cade Cavalli returns from Tommy John surgery with high expectations, while relief pitcher Jose Ferrer, the youngest in the Nationals’ bullpen, aims to become a key player. Veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, coming from the Texas Rangers, is expected to provide stability in this youthful roster.

The Chicago Cubs are prioritizing the acquisition of starting pitching this offseason, despite having a strong rotation last year. With uncertainties beyond their two main pitchers, Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, the Cubs are exploring options without significant spending.

One potential avenue is re-evaluating Nate Pearson's role, who was acquired mid-season. Although he has expressed a desire to return to starting, the Cubs may lean towards using him in relief due to their depth in starting options.

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.

The Chicago Cubs' 2024 MLB season fell short of expectations, mirroring their previous year's performance with 83 wins. Despite hiring Craig Counsell as manager, the team struggled with inconsistent play and injuries, leading to disappointment for fans and ownership alike.

Owner Tom Ricketts expressed his dissatisfaction in a letter, emphasizing the need for improvement. He highlighted the team's strong farm system and the positive contributions of players like Shota Imanaga and Ian Happ, signaling hope for the future. Ricketts also honored Ryne Sandberg, acknowledging the fundraising efforts for his cancer battle.