The Chicago Cubs have made notable strides this offseason, but not without some letdowns. Their pursuit of free agent Alex Bregman fell short, even though they secured Kyle Tucker in a bold trade with the Houston Astros. Tucker, viewed as one of the premier outfielders, has shifted expectations for the Cubs’ 2025 season, with many believing they could finally dominate their division and make a deep playoff run.

Despite this aggressive approach, long-term plans seem uncertain. Reports suggest that a contract extension for Tucker is improbable due to financial constraints, leaving fans concerned after the Cubs sacrificed highly-ranked prospect Cam Smith for a short-term gain. The Cubs appear to be prioritizing immediate success over a sustainable future, indicating reliance on their farm system to cultivate potential stars as they navigate ownership's luxury tax ambitions.