Cubs' 2025 MLB Season: Insider Reveals Prediction

Jim Bowden of The Athletic gave the Cubs an A- grade for their offseason, which was headlined by a blockbuster trade for Kyle Tucker. The MLB insider predicted that Chicago will return to the postseason by winning the division. He highlighted the move for the three-time All-Star, writing:

Trading for Kyle Tucker, who gives the Cubs the superstar position player they’ve been missing and a hitter who can carry the team when the rest of the lineup is slumping. Tucker is a 30-homer/30-stolen base talent and a true five-tool player. However, the Cubs won’t be able to re-sign him during the season as he’s too close to free agency; they’ll need to wait to see how he’s valued on the post-Soto-signing open market. This was the best move for the Cubs to make for this year, but if they don’t reach the postseason and don’t re-sign Tucker, it will turn into the worst move because they gave up a future star, Cam Smith, to land him.

Bowden added that the trade for closer Ryan Pressly is an under-the-radar move that should also pay off for the Cubs. He claimed the development of Pete Crow-Armstrong, Miguel Amaya, and Matt Shaw will likely determine whether or not Chicago reaches the postseason.

Crow-Armstrong and Amaya have struggled at the plate since making their Major League debuts in 2023; however, both hit well in Spring Training. Meanwhile, Shaw is set to make his MLB debut after a strong camp earned him a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster.