The Chicago Cubs entered the offseason with needs, and as currently constructed, still haven't fulfilled those.
Adding Shota Imanaga was a step in the right direction and Hector Neris will help close out games, but on paper, the offense is worse this season than they were at the end of last year.
Jeimer Candelario, despite his struggles with the Cubs, walked in free agency and joined the Cincinnati Reds. At the time it happened, it wasn't the biggest deal. Chicago was still involved with some of the top free agents available and he was replaceable.
Now, Candelario would be one of the best hitters on the team.
Cody Bellinger hasn't re-signed and there haven't been any negotiations on that front, a disappointing sign that he could be on the way out.
The Cubs signed David Peralta, but that doesn't significantly improve the team in any sort of way.
Dansby Swanson signed in free agency last season, presumably indicating he was on board with what the front office was planning to do. When asked if the offseason matched expectations, Dansby didn't give a promising answer to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
"Expectations are so hard. When it's based all around one thing, if it doesn't happen, does that really make it a failure?"
Expectations shouldn't be too hard for a team as historic as this franchise. Frankly, this offseason has been nothing short of a disappointment.
Adding Bellinger changes that a bit, but it doesn't excuse the lack of other moves.
Chicago had a chance to add star power this offseason and didn't do so.
With Spring Training starting, it's time to start worrying about the roster as the lack of moves will put them in a tough position to compete like they had planned.
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