The Chicago Cubs were eliminated by the rival Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS last season. It was a tough way to finish out a season that looked like a potential World Series run in the first half of the year.
Unfortunately, due to injuries and players falling off down the stretch, the Cubs were sent home disappointed once again. Heading into the offseason, fans have been hopeful that Jed Hoyer and the front office would decide to get aggressive and go all-in on pursuing a championship right now.
Kyle Tucker is set to leave town in free agency this offseason. That could still change and Chicago could opt to try and bring him back, but that scenario does not seem likely.
With that in mind, the Cubs appear to be a team destined to take a step back. That is, of course, unless Chicago makes a major move this offseason.
FanDuel has listed the Cubs as having +2500 odds to win the World Series next season. That puts them at No. 11 in Major League Baseball.
Clearly, the sports books do not buy Chicago as a World Series contender. That could change quickly if Hoyer pulls the trigger on a big move.
One potential big move that has been rumored for the Cubs is signing free agent infielder Alex Bregman. He was pursued by Chicago last offseason as well, but opted to sign with the Boston Red Sox instead. The Cubs seem to have renewed their interest this offseason.
Making a move to bring Tucker back or potentially reuniting with star outfielder Cody Bellinger could be the kind of move that puts Chicago back on the map. Hoyer has to find a way to bring in a big bat.
There are plenty of other players the Cubs could consider pursuing. Bo Bichette would be one option, while there are some starting pitching options who could help the team compete as well. Chicago simply needs to get aggressive.
All that fans can do now is to wait and see whether or not Hoyer opens up the checkbook or not. In past years, he has refused to do so, but perhaps he will finally go all-out to bring another championship back home to Wrigley Field.
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