The Chicago Cubs have been sending mixed signals in their offseason strategies, transitioning from bold moves to a more conservative approach. After firing David Ross and hiring Craig Counsell, the Cubs made some notable signings but failed to make significant roster additions.

This winter, they traded for Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros but also let go of Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, raising eyebrows among fans. The Cubs' front office is focused on incremental improvements and balancing short-term success with future potential, as they aim to break a playoff drought that has lasted since 2018.

The Chicago Cubs aimed to assert themselves in the National League in 2024 but ended the season with the same disappointing record of 83 wins as the previous year. Despite acquiring manager Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers, the team failed to reach the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, prompting frustration among fans.

In an effort to improve, the Cubs made significant offseason moves, including trading for star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. This acquisition is expected to bolster their lineup and create opportunities for top prospect Matt Shaw.

While the Cubs have strengthened their roster with solid additions, concerns remain about ownership's willingness to invest in a championship-caliber team. Chairman Tom Ricketts acknowledged the need for improvement and emphasized the importance of commitment to winning.

The Chicago Cubs concluded the 2024 season in a less favorable position compared to 2023, despite having the same record. This prompted significant offseason changes, starting with the signing of veteran pitcher Matthew Boyd to a two-year deal aimed at strengthening their rotation.

Boyd's impressive ERA of 2.72 in 2024 came from a limited number of innings, raising questions about his durability. The Cubs also executed a major trade, acquiring superstar Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, while parting with Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith, and Hayden Wesneski.

Additionally, the Cubs traded Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, freeing up payroll space. With a current payroll of $131.3 million, the Cubs are positioned to make further moves to enhance their competitiveness for the 2025 season, marking a promising offseason for the franchise.

The Chicago Cubs are set to meet with free agent pitcher Roki Sasaki in Los Angeles, amidst competition from several teams including the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies. Sasaki, a standout from Japan, is currently classified as an international amateur free agent due to his age, limiting his signing bonus potential.

Despite this, he has garnered significant interest from major league teams, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees among the frontrunners. Sasaki boasts impressive stats from his NPB career and a successful World Baseball Classic, making him a highly sought-after talent.

The Cubs already have a solid rotation but are exploring options for Sasaki, potentially reshaping their pitching strategy for the 2025 season.

The Detroit Tigers have a strategy of signing veteran pitchers to short-term contracts, exemplified by their recent acquisition of Jack Flaherty. After a successful first half with the Tigers, Flaherty was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he contributed to their World Series win.

Despite a slow free agency market, Flaherty is expected to secure a lucrative multi-year deal due to the high demand for starting pitchers. Teams like the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles are potential suitors, and a return to Detroit remains a possibility.