The Cubs entered 2024 with high expectations, thanks to the addition of Shota Imanaga, a new manager in Craig Counsell, and youngsters ready to make an impact. However, inconsistencies throughout the regular season led the Cubs to miss the postseason for the fourth-straight season. So, how did the Cubs adjust for 2025? Adding depth across the board, plus a superstar slugger via trade.

Notable Additions

• SP Matthew Boyd (0.7 bWAR in 2024)
• RP Ryan Brasier (0.2 bWAR)
• C Carson Kelly (0.5 bWAR)
• RP Eli Morgan (1.1 bWAR)
• SP/RP Cody Poteet (0.9 bWAR)
• SP Colin Rea (1.2 bWAR)
• RP Caleb Thielbar (-0.6 bWAR)
• OF Kyle Tucker (4.7 bWAR)
• INF Justin Turner (1.5 bWAR)
• INF Gage Workman (Rule 5 Draft pick)

The Cubs were one of the busiest teams this past winter, particularly in the trade market.

Chicago traded for relievers Ryan Brasier and Eli Morgan, both effective arms who bring something different to the table. Morgan is a versatile arm who boasts a very good changeup, while Brasier found a new gear in L.A. after adding a cutter to his arsenal.

Additionally, the Cubs picked up Ryan Pressly, the former Astros closer, in a deal with Houston. Porter Hodge, the hard-throwing righty, was the Cubs’ closer for the last month of 2024. But with Pressly in tow, the Cubs have a grizzled, experience arm with proven ninth-inning experience. Something, the Cubs lacked for a healthy chunk of 2024.

Pressly wasn’t the only former Astro acquired by the Cubs. Chicago traded for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster trade with Houston, one that cost the Cubs prospect Cam Smith plus two players off their 40-man roster. Tucker blasted 23 home runs and 36 extra-base hits in an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, along with a .993 OPS.

Adding Tucker gives the Cubs a powerful left-handed bat who can slot in as the team’s #2 or #3 hitter, one who can get on base and drive in runs. However, there’s risk with the Tucker move. The 28-year-old can test the market after the 2025 season.

As for the rotation, the Cubs landed Matthew Boyd, who excelled late in the regular season, and playoffs, with the Guardians. Boyd, a fly-ball pitcher, adjusted his approach by increasing the usage of his changeup, giving him a key weapon against right-handed bats.

Notable Losses

• RP Adbert Alzolay (-0.6 bWAR)
• 1B/OF Cody Bellinger (2.2 bWAR)
• SP Kyle Hendricks (-1.6 bWAR)
• RP Jorge Lopez (0.9 bWAR, 0.6 bWAR with Cubs)
• INF Nick Madrigal (-0.4 bWAR)
• INF Isaac Paredes (2.7 bWAR, 0.4 bWAR with Cubs)
• RP Drew Smyly (0.0 bWAR)
• SP/RP Hayden Wesneski (-0.3 bWAR)

With Pete Crow-Armstrong and the newly-acquired Kyle Tucker rounding out the Cubs’ outfielder, Cody Bellinger became expendable. The former NL MVP had himself a rebound campaign in 2023 and signed a multi-year deal with opt-outs in February 2024.

Bellinger hit .266/.325/.426 (.751 OPS) with 18 home runs last season. Those were numbers that were fine but not enough to cash in on the market. He decided not to opt out and the Cubs, armed with outfield depth, traded him to the Yankees.

The Cubs also parted with pitcher Hayden Wesneski and infielder Isaac Paredes, to acquire Tucker. Paredes, who was a former 30-home run hitter with the Rays, couldn’t get going in Wrigley Field, which was a significantly deeper left field compared to Tropicana Field. He slashed just .223/.325/.307 (.633 OPS) over 52 games as a Cub.

It was also an end of an era for the Cubs this winter, as the team didn’t retain Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks was the lone player from the 2016 World Series team left on the Cubs’ roster.

Hendricks posted an ERA of 5.92 ERA, part of a season where he struggled to get outs and get chases out of the zone. His Chase% dropped four percent, compared to 2023.

What to Expect in 2025

Offensively, the Cubs have a better team on paper. The addition of Tucker gives the Cubs the type of dynamic run producer Chicago was lacking. And with the ex-Astro on the roster, the time is now for Chicago to make a run for the NL Central.

The Cubs have been knocking on the door each of the last two seasons. Chicago had a hot August before a 12-16 September that included crushing losses that cost the Cubs a playoff spot. The 2024 season was similar, as the Cubs went 18-8 in August to get back in the conversation after a sluggish first half. But, it wasn’t enough.

Now, with a deep rotation that includes plenty of power left-handers, an improved bullpen, and power across the Cubs’ lineup, Chicago has a shot to do damage in an NL Central with no clear favorite.