The Chicago Cubs have had a significant offseason, even if they’ve yet to bag a big-ticket impact player free agent.
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For one, they’ve re-stocked their bullpen with four new faces via free agency (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey) while re-signing lefty Caleb Thielbar. The new relief corps promises to be an interesting mix of styles and approaches.
They also added positional depth pieces in Tyler Austin and Scott Kingery.
Then, of course, was the big trade with the Miami Marlins for pitcher Edward Cabrera, which brought them a potential ace with three years of team control at the cost of Owen Caissie and two other prospects.
But there’s a widely held feeling that the Cubs’ offseason isn’t quite finished, especially for a team that got within one game of the NLCS last year. Debate rages over what Chicago needs to do next, but fans are anxious for success and one gets the feeling that the blow back will be extreme if the team fails to capitalize on their window of winning opportunity.
Here are three things that will cause the otherwise loyal Cubs fan base to revolt:
End the offseason without another significant free agent signing
Aug 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) hits a home run during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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When last season ended, the Cubs’ needs were plainly evident. They needed starting pitching depth (especially at the front of the rotation), they needed to rebuild the bullpen, and they needed a bat to help fill the hole left behind by outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker.
The Cubs nailed the bullpen early on and there were plenty of free agent candidates available to fulfill the other two needs on the wish list.
As things would turn out, they addressed the starting pitching issue via their trade for Cabrera.
That leaves behind one final piece of the puzzle– a bat– and they’ll have no choice but to dive into the free agent market for that. Or maybe they won’t.
With Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, and Kyle Tucker on the market, there’s a distinct possibility that the Cubs may be unable/unwilling to land any of them. And it won’t be for lack of money as the team’s payroll is still about $32 million under the luxury tax threshold and only two major salaries (Dansby Swanson and Phil Maton) will be on the books past 2026.
If Cubs ownership grabs at a budget buy for the final free agent acquisition as the team stands within reach of a championship run (or doesn’t grab at anyone), fans will rage. They will be able to (rightly) point out that the team is primarily focused on shoveling money into the Ricketts family coffers and not on winning.
Trade Nico Hoerner
Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) flies out during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images
Down the stretch of the 2025 campaign and into the playoffs, second baseman Nico Hoerner emerged as the heart and soul of a plucky Cubs team.
Not only did he continue his run as one of the elite contact hitters in the game and a clubhouse leader-by-example, he actually upped his offensive output with a .297 batting average. He also continued to play elite defense at second, winning his second career Gold Glove.
That’s why it’s beyond vexing to see Hoerner’s name pop up in offseason trade rumors.
Yes, he’s due to be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2026 season and the Cubs are perpetually looking to trim budget. Yes, he has some significant worth and could command a nice haul in return.
But no.
Hoerner is a crucial part of a winning Cubs team and the closest they have to a sure thing when it comes to productivity. In a sane world, Chicago should be talking extension and not trade.
If the trade talk is anything more the Cubs exploring value and poking at the market, it will be a huge mistake. The fans would hold onto their receipt for outrage and relentlessly smear the entire organization if the coming season plans go sideways.
Whiff (again) at the trade deadline
Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts (R) smiles next to Chicago Cubs President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer (L) before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Last season, the prevailing thought was that the 2025 Cubs were a special bunch and maybe just a player or two from making a legitimate run at a World Series berth.
In the face of rumors naming the Cubs as aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, the actual haul after July 31 was underwhelming.
Instead of the front-of-rotation starting pitcher and co-closer they needed, Chicago only managed to acquire two middle relievers, a utility man, and swingman Michael Soroka, who had to be shipped off to the IL after just two innings in his Cubs debut outing.
Ownership and the front office took a hammering following that failure to make an impact move. The hammering continued after the Cubs’ deficiencies helped lead to their NLDS elimination.
This time around, they need to make things happen when/if they have that window of opportunity to win. Another cautious pullback at the trade deadline will result in fan mutiny.
There’s a lot of good on this 2026 Cubs squad and the fans definitely want to full-on believe in them. But there’s also several ways this team could fall off the rails. Fans will be watching.
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