Cubs GM Hoyer Sheds Light on the Franchise Ahead of 2023 Season

The Chicago Cubs made some outstanding moves this offseason. Outside of bringing in Dansby Swanson and Jameson Taillon, the Cubs acquired players that can have a significant impact on the lineup.

Players such as Eric Hosmer, Trey Mancini, and Cody Bellinger all have the ceilings to truly elevate the roster. 

Chicago's general manager, Jed Hoyer, went on the New York Post’s “The Show” podcast and specifically talked about the three above players. 

“My expectation is that [Hosmer] is certainly gonna play first base against right-handed pitching and be given that shot,” Hoyer said. “We had talked to San Diego a number of times over the last couple of years, I knew this was a place that I think he was excited to play.

“He loves the idea of playing at Wrigley and I’m excited to — you know, he was in a tough situation at San Diego, constantly being rumored in deals and things like that — so I’m excited to get Eric here, make him comfortable.” 

Mancini also plays first base, but has the ability to cover the corner outfield spots and DH. Hoyer likes the flexibility and leadership skills that Mancini brings to the table.

“We signed Mancini — he can DH, he can play first, play a little corner outfield — but we really needed more power,” Hoyer said. “We have a team that does some good things offensively but lacked sort of like the punching power last year. We struggled to score runs in bunches, and we struggled to hit homers, and adding Mancini was really exciting for us.

The addition of Hosmer and Mancini has of course sparked debate about Matt Mervis and his potential MLB debut. Hoyer helped assuage those concerns.

“And then obviously Mervis had a great year in the minors, and you can’t have enough depth.”

As far as Bellinger goes, Hoyer is hoping that the gamble pays off. 

“The hope is that he gets back to being an All-Star-caliber player, gets back to being an unbelievable talent at age 27,” Hoyer said. 

“It was very clear from the minute we expressed interest after he was non-tendered that he wanted a one-year deal in a place where he could reestablish his value,” he said. “(He said) ‘I believe in myself, I want to go to a place and have success,’ and I felt like we could be that place.” 

There are a lot of expectations heading into the 2023 MLB season and there are plenty of players who will need to meet or beat expectations in order for the Cubs to reach the lofty goals they have set forth for themselves.

It seems like Hoyer is expecting the best.