CubsPS+ #104: Grading the Offseason

2025-02-27

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...

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