The 2024 Cubs went 17-10 in the first month of the season, had a +20 run swing and looked like the favorite in the National League Central. The script has changed in the past month-once, however, as Chicago has gone 12-19 and allowed 25 more runs than they earned in the 31 games since. They are now six games behind the division-leading Brewers club.
Thanks to the Cubs — and many other undisputed leaders in the National League — the 2024 NL is full of minor leaguers thus far. Only four NL clubs have a winning record of more than three quarters in an entire season. Chicago's 30-31 season finish is actually enough to give them a one-game lead for the third NL Wild Card spot. (In contrast, the Twins are 33-27 and hold the top Wild Card spot in the American League.)
With the Cubs still in the playoff picture and eight weeks away from the 2024 trade deadline, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is surprisingly optimistic about the buyer's mindset. The Cubs shortstop spoke with The Athletic's Patrick Mooney about his team's recent play, admitting they “played bad baseball in a lot of ways” but expressing confidence that something has changed.
Hoyer added that he is “always looking to improve our team” and lamented his team's lack of running backs. “You have to be able to hit homers at the right times,” Hoyer said. “And you have to be able to score in bunches. That's something we didn't do, especially early on. … You have to put pressure on the opposing manager. You have to go into the bad part of the bullpen. You didn't do a good enough job.”
The Cubs are a middle-of-the-pack team for the season as a whole, with 60 starters returning on the year. But over the past 30 days, Chicago's 24 home runs are tied for 22nd in the majors. During that time, the Cubs ranked 29th in baseball with a .216 batting average, 21st with a .299 on-base percentage and 28th with a .347 slugging percentage. Their combined 23.7% strikeout rate is also sixth highest in the majors.
Digging in further, the Cubs saw solid production emerge Cody Bellinger last month. Ian Happ averaged low with an average OBP but showed a lot of power. It was the inverse Michael Buschwho hit .189 and had a 37% strikeout rate but also drew a walk in more than one out of five plate appearances, keeping his batting line afloat with a strong OBP.
The rest of the lineup struggled around the plate, with particular difficulty getting off Dansby Swanson and (to a lesser extent) double play partners Nico Hoerner last month. Both are premium defensemen who signed long term, however, so they won't be moved anytime soon.
Bellinger has played first base recently because of communication problems with Busch, but that has left many questions in the field, where Seiya Suzuki he has struggled on his return from the injured list as well Pete Crow-Armstrong he has yet to find his stride in a small sample of major league at bats. Under the third premise, Christopher Morel both sides of the ball have struggled recently — yesterday's home game notwithstanding. The Cubs' catching tandem of Yan Gomes again Miguel Amayaon the other hand, it was one of the worst in baseball from an offensive standpoint, combining for a .176/.220/.261 slash.
Speaking of speculation, the most straightforward positions to add would be third base, catcher or designated hitter. A third baseman with some power and a solid glove would be especially smart, as it would allow Morel to move into a bigger DH role. There may not be many such hitters on the market, however, especially if the Rockies stick to their reported desire to hold onto him. Ryan McMahon. If the Astros end up trading, he's an upcoming free agent Alex Bregman it's a reasonable goal, but Houston GM Dana Brown recently downplayed the idea that Houston would trade pieces. Toronto GM Ross Atkins took a similar approach in proposing the trade of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and/or Bo Bichette “don't make sense” of his team.
The market could have a few catchers available, especially if the Blue Jays or Rockies are willing to part with upcoming free agents. Danny Jansen again Elias Diaz. Of course, the trade market will continue to focus as the deadline approaches and as teams solidify themselves as playoff contenders or return to the top flight.
Taking a big picture look, Bellinger's ability to play all three outfield positions and first base gives Hoyer and his staff some flexibility in the type of hitter they are pursuing. If Busch continues to struggle, he could be optioned to Iowa, where Bellinger takes over full time and the Cubs look for an outfielder. If Busch can get back up to speed, the Cubs can chase any outfielder who swings his bat, knowing that Bellinger can slot into any of the three outfield slots, and that he, Happ, Suzuki and the new acquisition can rotate through the outfield. and DH vacancies.
However they choose to go ahead with it, the Cubs appear to be in the market for one more punch at next month's trade deadline. That will certainly be true for many teams looking to bolster their rosters, but Chicago's need is much greater — and the roster offers plenty of points for potential upgrades.
Source link
