The Chicago Cubs had what will likely amount to a pivotal offseason this winter.
For starters, the opted to pursue and ultimately sign manager Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers to a record, five-year, $40 million deal which reset the manager market.
They then added closer Hector Neris to a one deal, a shrewd move to supplement a bullpen that held the club back in 2023.
They also made a trade for Michael Busch by dealing a top-10 prospect to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The hope is for him to claim first base position, a position that has been a black hole since the departure of Anthony Rizzo to the New York Yankees.
And the big splash of the winter was bringing back fan-favorite Cody Bellinger on a three-year contract worth $80,000 that includes two opt outs.
But are they done with Opening Day less than two weeks away?
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer spoke with the New York Post on Friday and gave some insight into their potential plans.
When asked about adding more talent via free agency, specifically starting pitching, Hoyer stated that he believed the squad they have now would be the one they roll into the season with.
However, he did say that they are always looking at trades or small moves to help supplement the roster.
After numerous "disappointing" offseasons and years of falling short, fans will have a hard time to call out any inaction from the front office this winter.
They made changes from the top down by bringing in an elite manager, prying him away from a bitter no less, and then adding and re-signing important talent in needed areas.
For the first time in a while, Chicago looks poised to make noise and contend for a National League Central title.
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