After a state of dormancy that sent the fanbase into a chaotic frenzy, the Chicago Cubs have finally been wheeling and dealing over the last few days leading up to the annual Cubs Convention. The team brought in LHP Shota Imanaga and officially introduced him just hours before the convention started, and newly-acquired Michael Busch was already in town for the convention after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. However, it appears Jed Hoyer isn't done.
According to Hoyer on ESPN 1000, the team is only in their "4th or 5th inning" of their offseason. The terminology is certainly appropriate, but what does that mean?
Analyzing the Metaphor
Simply put, the metaphor means the Cubs aren't done. This likely means the Cubs have submitted offers to some of the biggest free agents who remain on the market such as Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, and Rhys Hoskins. Although Busch is slated to play first base according to the team, they could certainly add more than one of the aforementioned names.
However, as kindly pointed out by On Tap Sports Net owner and CEO Tony Marchese, sometimes you don't score in the final four innings of a game. Sometimes, whatever you get in the early going is enough to either win or lose. Will that thinking apply here with Hoyer?
The fanbase certainly hopes that isn't the case. The fans want more, which comes as no surprise. In fact, many of the fans staying at the Sheraton Grand or in the surrounding area during the Cubs Convention are hoping a move occurs before activities end on Sunday morning.
Despite the optimism, what if Jed Hoyer misses on a number of names? What if the Cubs only make a few minor moves to improve the team? Will that be enough for a Cubs team who lost two of their biggest contributors to free agency after falling one win shy of the playoffs? To be frank, it likely isn't.
The Cubs certainly aren't "going for it" in 2024, but they do want to be competitive. In addition, given the nature of the market and the number of teams facing uncertainty with their regional sports networks and that inflow of cash, the free agency market has been slow. Maybe the Cubs are in a power position with the market and can ultimately do as they please? Maybe, just maybe, Jed really does have more up his sleeve.
Who Are the Likely Targets?
In reality, with Busch's addition at first base, the two likely additions moving forward are Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman, although Hoyer said Busch's addition doesn't preclude the Cubs from adding another first baseman. Chapman would add yet another Gold Glove to the Cubs' already decorated infield, and further improve the kind of ball they want to play. Also, the Bellinger/Cubs marriage was such a perfect fit in 2023, why not run it back for the next five to seven years?
Rhys Hoskins might still be a fit however, especially if the Cubs decide to deal Christopher Morel for any reason. Although unlikely, the young power hitter has garnished a lot of interest. Perhaps a deal is in the cards. Also, names such as Gio Urshela, Joc Pederson, and Jorge Soler are possible options if some of the bigger fish are swooped up by other franchises.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs clearly have a plan in front of them and will do their best to execute on that before players begin reporting for Spring Training. Will Jed Hoyer metaphorically put up a crooked number in one of the upcoming innings of the offseason, or will he put up a goose egg? A lot remains to be seen, but fans are certainly encouraged that the Cubs are actively trying to get better.
Go put up that crooked number, Jed.
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