The 2024 Chicago Cubs: A Complex Outlook
A Season of Uncertainty
The 2024 Chicago Cubs are a team with high expectations, but also a lot of uncertainty. After a disappointing 2023 season, the Cubs made several changes to their roster, including trading away star shortstop Javier Baez and signing free agent pitcher Jameson Taillon.
These moves have left many fans wondering what to expect from the Cubs in 2024. Will they be able to contend for a World Series title? Or will they be stuck in the middle of the pack?
Key Additions and Departures
The Cubs’ most significant addition in 2024 is Taillon, who signed a four-year, $68 million contract. Taillon is a durable and reliable starter who has averaged over 30 starts and 180 innings pitched over the past three seasons. He will be a welcome addition to a Cubs rotation that struggled with injuries in 2023.
The Cubs also added outfielder Nelson Cruz, who signed a one-year, $12 million contract. Cruz is a veteran slugger who has hit 459 home runs in his career. He will provide the Cubs with some much-needed power in the middle of their lineup.
On the other side of the ledger, the Cubs traded away Baez to the New York Mets in a salary-dumping move. Baez was a fan favorite and a valuable player, but he was also expensive and had a reputation for being inconsistent.
The Cubs also lost catcher Willson Contreras to free agency. Contreras was a solid hitter and a good defender, but he was not a star.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Cubs have a number of strengths, including their starting rotation, their bullpen, and their defense. The rotation is led by Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and Marcus Stroman, who are all capable of being frontline starters. The bullpen is also solid, with Rowan Wick, David Robertson, and Scott Effross all being experienced and reliable relievers.
The Cubs’ defense is also a strength, with Gold Glove winners Nico Hoerner and Patrick Wisdom manning the middle infield and outfield, respectively.
However, the Cubs also have some weaknesses, including their offense and their bench. The offense is led by Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Cruz, but it lacks a true superstar. The bench is also thin, with few players who can provide a spark off the bench.
Outlook for 2024
The Cubs are a team with a lot of potential, but also a lot of uncertainty. They have a strong starting rotation, a solid bullpen, and a good defense. However, their offense and bench are both weak.
If the Cubs can stay healthy and get some production from their offense, they could be a contender for a National League wild card spot. However, if they struggle with injuries or their offense fails to produce, they could be in for another long season.
A Closer Look at the Data
The following table compares the Cubs’ projected 2024 statistics to their actual 2023 statistics:
| Statistic | 2023 | 2024 |
|—|—|—|
| Wins | 74 | 82 |
| Losses | 88 | 80 |
| Runs Scored | 720 | 760 |
| Runs Allowed | 775 | 730 |
| ERA | 4.45 | 4.15 |
| WHIP | 1.35 | 1.30 |
As the table shows, the Cubs are projected to improve in all major statistical categories in 2024. This is due in large part to the addition of Taillon and Cruz.
However, it is important to note that these are just projections. The Cubs could easily exceed or fall short of these expectations.
Conclusion
The 2024 Chicago Cubs are a team with a lot of potential, but also a lot of uncertainty. They have a strong starting rotation, a solid bullpen, and a good defense. However, their offense and bench are both weak.
If the Cubs can stay healthy and get some production from their offense, they could be a contender for a National League wild card spot. However, if they struggle with injuries or their offense fails to produce, they could be in for another long season.
