Trading away Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant signalled the beginning of another rebuild for the Cubs. Speculation of a dynasty has proven to be as fanciful as it seemed at the time. Wrigley Field is set to see a lot of losing over the next couple of seasons.
The Chicago Cubs odds to win the World Series show this isn’t a team that will be competing deep into the playoffs. In fact, even being in the postseason picture after the trade deadline would be a minor miracle.
Still, lots of Major League teams go into a given season with minimal playoff hopes. For some, there is little to be excited about. That’s not the case with the Cubs – here are three ways it can be a positive year.
The Seiya Suzuki Experience
Unlike many rebuilders, the Cubs were happy to spend in the offseason. One of their acquisitions was Seiya Suzuki on a five-year, $85 million contract. In a tiny sample to start the season, Suzuki looks like he could be a bargain.
Rarely chasing, possessing elite sprint speed and making a lot of hard contact, Suzuki is a must-watch right now. He arrived with an impressive career to date, but the transition to The Show isn’t always smooth. This start gives Cubs fans hope that they have already got their next star to build a team around.
Early signs are that Suzuki is the sort of talent who will make the Cubs watchable even once they are well out of contention. His numbers in the Majors are going to be a yardstick for players that follow a similar path, too.
Trade Chips
Suzuki isn’t going anywhere, but the Cubs’ other big offseason signing could be. Marcus Stroman is owed $25 million this year and next with a $21 million player option in 2024. Should he pitch to the level he did in 2021, he will be a man in demand at the trade deadline.
Chicago is looking to restock its farm, and they have numerous other pieces which could fetch a solid return. Ian Happ and Jonathan Villar could both be of use to contenders, while there are several bullpen arms which could bolster the relief corps of teams chasing the playoffs.
Brennen Davis’ Arrival
Posting an .869 OPS across high-A, double-A and triple-A in 2021, Brennen Davis is the Cubs’ top prospect in 2022 and looks set to make his Major League debut at some point this season.
In September 2021, Cubs president Jed Hoyer said he thinks Davis ‘accelerated his timeline’.
Hoyer added, “Clearly he really put himself on the radar this year with a great performance at all levels.”
The 15th-rated prospect in all of baseball, Davis overcame injuries early in his professional career and has tweaked his swing to work the ball to the opposite field more often. He’s far from the polished package at this point, but there’s definitely an All-Star upside in there with his raw power, patience and physical tools.
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