Since the Chicago Cubs traded away Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javy Baez, this team has had no star power. The current Cubs roster is mostly just players who are mediocre or nothing special. While they expected Cody Bellinger to be the star, it’s clear that his MVP days are behind him. Shota Imanaga has been fun but let’s see what he does in year two before considering him a star. The 2024 Chicago Cubs have been lifeless and unentertaining to watch this season. The Cubs are in serious need of some star power this coming offseason.
The Cubs Haven’t Had Any Players Fill The Voids Left By The Winning Core
Embed from Getty ImagesIn 2021, the Chicago Cubs did what had to be done and purged their roster at the trade deadline. Core players Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javy Baez were all traded away. All three were set to be free agents the following year and Chicago decided to move forward without them. However, since those three players were traded, there has been nobody to fill the void they left.
For the past three seasons, the Cubs have had no star power on their team. The Cubs expected Cody Bellinger to be that guy, however, his MVP days are behind him. All he is at this point is a good productive player. Dansby Swanson is being paid like a superstar, but he isn’t one. Seiya Suzuki hasn’t been healthy enough to take the next step into truly being a star. The recently acquired Isaac Paredes needs to prove that he isn’t just a product of the Rays’ way. We’ve seen countless players be successful in Tampa and can’t duplicate it when they leave. While Shota Imanaga has been fun to watch, nobody should call him a superstar yet after one great season.
A Big Market Team With No Stars
Embed from Getty ImagesSome teams play in smaller markets then the Cubs have star power. The Brewers have Christian Yelich, the Royals have Bobby Witt Jr., the Guardians have Jose Ramirez, and the Reds have Elly De La Cruz. Meanwhile, other teams like the Padres, Rangers, Orioles, and Astros have multiple players with star power. Since the Cubs play in the third-largest media market, not having a superstar is a disgrace. The North Siders are the most popular team in Chicago, Wrigley Field is always packed, they own their TV Network, and an abundance of media is constantly covering them. The Cubs essentially have one of the most boring rosters in all of baseball.
The Cubs Need To Change Their Ways
Embed from Getty ImagesJed Hoyer admitted recently that he is hesitant to give out big-money contracts. Someone needs to tell him and the Cubs’ front office that the way he constructs rosters doesn’t work now. Most of the teams that will be in the postseason this year have at least one big-money superstar in their lineup. Every team that has ever won the World Series has had at least one superstar. The Cubs haven’t been to the postseason in a full year since 2018. Unless owner Tom Ricketts and Jed Hoyer change their ways, October baseball won’t be seen on the north side.
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