Early in the offseason, the Chicago Cubs fired incumbent manager David Ross and hired Craig Counsell to replace him. The move naturally generated a lot of hype considering how much success Counsell had managing the division rival Milwaukee Brewers. However, since hiring Counsell, the Cubs have yet to make a move to improve their roster despite having many needs. This is the point in the offseason where lots of movement happens and if Chicago doesn’t start moving, they’ll be left behind. The Cubs particularly need to supply their new manager with better pitchers.
Shockingly Firing David Ross To Hire Craig Counsell
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite being both publicly and privately content with having David Ross as the manager; Chicago shockingly decided to fire him to hire Craig Counsell. One of the reasons Ross was let go was owner Tom Ricketts wants to bring another championship to Chicago. The move was lauded given how successful Counsell had been managing the Milwaukee Brewers. After Counsell was hired, many fans thought this would be the first of many big moves the Cubs would make this offseason. However, the Cubs have yet to make another move since Craig Counsell’s hiring.
The Cubs Aren’t Currently Connected To Any Top Tier Free Agents
During Shohei Ohtani’s free-agent negotiations, the Cubs were rumored to be one of the teams he was interested in joining. However, nothing serious came of it as Ohtani would eventually sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since being connected to the Ohtani sweepstakes, the Cubs haven’t been connected to any marquee-free agents. This is all despite missing the postseason by one game last year.
The Cubs Need Pitching Help
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Cubs have a very glaring need for pitching. Outside of Justin Steele, the Cubs starting rotation is very thin. Last year’s free agent signing Jameson Taillon has looked like a bust so far. Given how badly it struggled after Marcus Stroman got injured, one would think that the Cubs should be wanting to fix this problem right away. It should be noted that Stroman is also a free agent. Other young pitchers like Hayden Wesneski and Jordan Wicks struggled in extended looks last year. The Cubs top pitching prospect Cade Horton isn’t expected to be ready until 2025. The need for stronger starting pitching is evident. The big thing that made Counsell’s Brewers teams so successful was their pitching staff. A team won’t win a championship without quality starting pitching.
Hiring Craig Counsell Can’t Be The Only Move The Cubs Make
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Cubs must make another move to follow up hiring Craig Counsell. The hallmark of all of Craig Counsell’s Brewers teams was strong pitching and right now the Cubs don’t have it. Chicago’s pitching problems were the reason they fell apart in September and completely missed the postseason. There are plenty of pitchers who are available via trade or free agency. Hiring Craig Counsell was a great move; however, it can’t be the only thing Chicago does this offseason.
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