Cubs Enter New Era as Kyle Tucker Departs
As the offseason approaches, Chicago Cubs fans are poised for a transformative period. With the clear indication that Kyle Tucker’s tenure with the team is coming to a close, the focus shifts to how the Cubs can fill the void left by his offensive contributions. The front office is gearing up to enhance the roster as they look toward the 2026 season.
Offensive Strengths Amidst Change
Tucker’s absence will undoubtedly be felt in the Cubs’ batting order, but the team is not devoid of talent. The outfield remains one of the most formidable units in baseball, featuring Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki. Meanwhile, the middle infield is anchored by the reliable duo of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner. Additionally, slugger Michael Busch appears to be establishing himself as the first baseman for the foreseeable future.
Given this existing talent, there’s a compelling argument for prioritizing improvements to the pitching staff over bolstering position players. The Cubs have a solid foundation to build upon offensively, which allows them to direct their resources toward enhancing their pitching arsenal.
A Clear Focus from Management
Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins appears to share this perspective. Speaking at the recent general manager meetings in Las Vegas, he addressed the team’s offseason strategy. Hawkins expressed that the potential for improvement lies predominantly within the pitching realm.
“If you look at our current lineup, our current depth chart, where are we most likely to be able to improve? It’s going to be on the pitching side. That’s where the most opportunity is,” he articulated.
While Hawkins acknowledged that acquiring a standout position player remains a possibility, he emphasized that the best opportunities for the Cubs to bolster their roster are likely to arise from pursuing pitching options.
With the Cubs having just experienced their first playoff appearance in a full season since 2018, the urgency to strengthen the pitching staff is palpable. The upcoming offseason presents a pivotal moment for the franchise as it seeks to build a competitive team capable of sustaining success in the seasons to come.
