The Chicago Cubs finished the 2023 season with an 83-79 record hanging around the playoff picture for the majority of the season. Justin Steele and Cody Bellinger were two big reasons for the success of the Cubs last season. With that said the team moved into 2024 looking to add depth to a roster that was looking to compete for the NL Central division title. With the 2023 division-winning Milwaukee Brewers reeling after trading away Corbin Burnes and losing Devin Williams to a back injury, the Cubs are looking for a division title in 2024.
Morel of the story is to let the kid play
Christopher Morel has in the past been the Cubs super-utility man, well this year he lands the starting 3B gig and I see him playing 140 games at least. Morel last season while appearing in 107 games last season he received 388 at bats scoring 62 runs, 17 doubles, three triples, 26 home runs, 70 RBIs, six stolen bases, and 36 walks. He slashed .247/.313/.508 with an OPS of .821 last year. I think we see a major jump for Morel this year and I think Manager Craig Counsell will get the very best out of Morel this year. My bold Prediction Morel will have a 25-double, 35 home runs, 95 RBI, and ten steal seasons while playing above-average defense at third base this year.
Big Season Season Coming!!
Seiya Suzuki might just be one of the most underrated players in the National League heading into the season. I know that the last two seasons haven’t been flashy like most of the big names in baseball, but his season last year was pretty darn good. He played in 138 games for the Cubs last year slashing .285/.357/.485 with an OPS of .842. He also had 75 runs scored, 31 doubles, six triples, 20 home runs, 74 RBIs, 59 walks, and six stolen bases last season. While Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner’s season might have overshadowed what the Right Fielder accomplished, it won’t be the case this coming season. My Bold Prediction Suzuki ends up winning the National League MVP this year. I see him staying healthy playing in 148 games this season where he will slash .292/.369/.512 with an OPS of .879. I think Seyia has 30 doubles, four triples, 28 home runs, and drives in 102 runs this year while playing great defense in Right Field for the Cubs this season.
The Biggest Move this offseason is what you Expect it to be in the end
Yes, I think Craig Counsell’s addition was phenomenal for the Cubs and he will help this team continue to develop and compete. I think the Shota Imanaga signing was also a terrific move by the Cubs and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see him strike out 185 batters or more this year while sporting a 14-7 record. I am expecting Cody Bellinger to come back and have another great season hitting in the .280 range with 28 home runs and over 90 RBIs while earning a gold glove for his defense in Center field. My bold Prediction in the end when the season is all done the trade that the Cubs made with the Dodgers acquiring Michael Busch and Yency Almonte for two prospects Jackson Ferris and Zhyir Hope will be the best off-season move made by Chicago. I think Michael Busch will be a solid first baseman in the field for the Cubs, but I expect more stability from his left-handed bat this season. I think we see Michael Busch go for 20 plus doubles and 20 home runs on the season while hitting for an average between .260-.268 adding a bat like his to the lineup just continues to add depth and weapons from top to bottom for Counsell.
Summary
I believe the Cubs are the best team in the National League Central with the Cincinnati Reds a very close second which will make this division a fun one to watch from Opening Day to game 162 on the schedule. The Predictions above are all things I see that are feasible this year and all will play a part in the Cubs making a deeper-than-expected Playoff run this year. With the depth they have in the Minors, this year is the start of something special for Cubs fans. The National League Central is going to be one of the closest division races this year and years to come for that matter!!
More must-reads: