#15
The Chicago Cubs have completed a full reset of their roster from the core that won the World Series in 2016. Is this new core ready to compete?
#19 - 3rd in NL Central
MIH - Nico Hoerner
MIP - Marcus Stroman
PTW - Brennen Davis
2022 Results
#19 - 74-88, 3rd in NL Central
Highest WAR (Position) - Ian Happ
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Marcus Stroman
The Cubs quietly had a decent season in 2022. They never really felt like they were in contention, but they remained competitive throughout the whole season. One of the biggest revelations of the 2022 season for the Cubs was the solid rookie outing for Japanese import Seiya Suzuki.
Additions / Subtractions
This offseason for the Cubs was all about officially ending one era and starting a new one. They watched Willson Contreras join the Cardinals in free agency, marking the departure of one of the only remaining players from the World Series team. To fill the leadership void, the Cubs signed shortstop Dansby Swanson to a huge deal. Then they invested in some bounce back reclamation projects. This came in the form of starter Jameson Taillon, first basemen Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini, and most notably, centerfielder Cody Bellinger.
Most Important Hitter
Dansby Swanson
The Cubs signed Swanson to be the cornerstone of their future, and he will be counted on to start earning his big contract immediately. He earned the big payday too. Last season was his best in the big leagues, hitting .277 with 25 home runs, 96 RBI's, and a 115 OPS+ while playing every game and earning his first Gold Glove. The Cubs are paying him like that was just the start of his greatness. If the Cubs are taking a step forward in 2023, he will have to prove that's true.
Most Important Pitcher
Kyle Hendricks
What appears to be the final remaining player from the Cubs glory days, Kyle Hendricks has really fallen off the last few seasons. In fact, 2021 and 2022 were his worst seasons in the big leagues. In 2022, injuries kept him to only 16 starts and 84 innings. He almost pitched more in the COVID shortened 2020 season than in 2022. He doesn't need to bounce all the way back to the elite level that led the league in ERA in 2016, but the Cubs need him to bounce back in some way. Their pitching staff feels very makeshift and random entering the year. Hendricks returning to form would provide some much needed stability.
Prospect to Watch
Hayden Wesneski
With the Cubs pitching staff less set than their lineup, there will be opportunities for a player like Hayden Wesneski to have an impact in 2023. Acquired at the Trade Deadline last season from the Yankees for reliever Scott Effross, Wesneski had a chance to get in 6 games last fall with some pretty good success. The 25 year old starter is thought to have a very high floor with a ceiling of a mid-rotation starter. Wesneski enters 2023 as the Cubs #5 prospect in their farm system, which ranks middle of the pack in the league.
2023 Prediction
2nd in NL Central
I like where the Cubs are at! I think they are definitely heading in the right direction. Dansby Swanson was a perfect choice to be the new face of their franchise, their new core is starting to develop nicely, and their pitching has some upside. I look for the Cubs to be a surprise team in 2023. They probably won't contend for a playoff spot, but they might be in the conversation for a Wild Card down the stretch, especially since they are in one of the worst divisions in baseball.
Fearless Prediction
Ian Happ will be traded at the Trade Deadline.
Over the last season or two, one of the perpetual storylines around the Cubs has been if Ian Happ will be traded at any point. Happ has been one of those bridge players who broke out on the scene in 2017 just after the World Series run and has been one of their best players the last few years. Now he is in his last year of club control and will be looking for a big payday next offseason. The Cubs also have a ton of outfield depth in their farm system, with some ready to contribute at some point this season. Look for Ian Happ to be moved in July for a young, big league ready arm. A move like this would be a perfect opportunity to sell while still competing down the stretch, even if it might not be a popular move with Cubs fans.
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