MLB

Episode Summary:

I’m back after a short break—work, life, and some oral surgery kept me away for a bit, but I’m finally able to talk clearly again (well, mostly). In this episode, I break down the Cubs’ offseason moves, roster construction, and my grades for each unit heading into 2024.

The Cubs made some big changes, from acquiring Kyle Tucker to adding Justin Turner, but did they do enough to contend? I dive into the rotation, bullpen, bench depth, and lineup construction and grade each aspect of the team heading into Opening Day in Japan against the Dodgers.

Oh, and PCA is officially wearing #4 now, so let’s hope he makes that number mean something for the Cubs!

Key Topics Covered:

🔹 The Justin Turner Signing & Roster Impact

• Why I liked Turner as a bench upgrade and how he fits the Cubs’ roster
• Can he be an everyday DH or just a platoon bat?
• How Matt Shaw’s oblique injury might change his early role
• The veteran presence Turner brings and why that matters

🔹 Alexander Canario DFA – What Was the Cubs’ Plan?

• The decision to DFA Canario for “cash considerations”
• Missed development opportunities – Velázquez, Morel, Canario, Contreras, etc.
• Why Vidal Brujan is still on the roster while Canario isn’t

🔹 Grading the Cubs' Offseason Moves

Rotation: B-

• Cubs added depth but lacked a high-end ace addition
• Kyle Hendricks is gone, replaced by Matthew Boyd
• Colin Rea as a depth arm – necessary, but uninspiring
• Why I would have loved Corbin Burnes or Walker Buehler

Bullpen: B

• Ryan Presley & Caleb Thielbar additions – solid but not elite
• Porter Hodge & Tyson Miller look promising
• Did the Cubs do enough at closer?
• Keegan Thompson’s role – does he make the roster?

Lineup: A-

• Kyle Tucker is a massive upgrade over Cody Bellinger
• Seiya Suzuki moving to DH strengthens depth
• Matt Shaw’s injury & how it affects 3B plans
• Ian Happ leading off – how does that change the dynamic?

Bench: A-

• Much improved over 2023 – Justin Turner, John Birdie, Carson Kelly, Gage Workman
• Why Kevin Alcantara could sneak onto the Opening Day roster
• The impact of Nico Horner’s potential IL stint

🔹 What to Expect for Cubs Opening Day in Japan

• 31-man roster rule for the Japan trip – how that affects lineup choices
• Cubs likely to be without Horner & Shaw – who fills in?
• How Seiya Suzuki, Imanaga, & Yamamoto make this series special

🔹 Final Thoughts & Fan Questions

• Where do the Cubs sit in the NL Central race?
• Did Jed Hoyer do enough?
• My final offseason grade for the Cubs: B

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices