The Winter Meetings marked a pivotal moment for the Chicago Cubs, setting the stage and defining their offseason strategy. Following the meetings Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins addressed key areas while also creating new challenges to navigate. The trades and signings the Cubs’ front office has made the last few days showcased their determination to be competitive and contend in 2025, even if it left fans speculating about the long-term implications of their decisions.
One of the most notable acquisitions was actually before the Winter Meetings when they signed of veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $18 million contract. Boyd, returning from an injury-shortened 2024 season in which he posted a 2.72 ERA over just 39.2 innings, provides a potential bounce-back candidate for the Cubs’ rotation. Despite the fact that he returned from Tommy John surgery in 2024, Boyd’s previous track record as a dependable starter with a career 4.85 ERA and solid strikeout ability makes him an intriguing addition. His signing reflects the Cubs’ willingness to take calculated risks to bolster their pitching depth. Boyd joins a rotation led by Justin Steele and supplemented by younger arms, giving the team a mix of experience and upside while bridging the gap to future contributors.
The trade just a few days ago for Kyle Tucker, however, was the headliner of the offseason so far. Tucker’s 2024 numbers speak for themselves: a .289/.365/.512 slash line, 30 home runs, and 112 RBIs. Adding such a prolific hitter to the lineup signals the Cubs’ intent to contend immediately, but the move has also created a significant outfield logjam. Tucker prefers right field, a position currently occupied by Seiya Suzuki, who hit .285/.352/.480 with 22 home runs last season and has made it clear he does not want to be a designated hitter. Ian Happ, another reliable bat, holds down left field after posting a .273/.347/.453 line with 18 home runs and 72 RBIs. Meanwhile, there are five other outfielders on the Cubs 40 man roster… including top prospects Alexander Canario and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Canario hit .264/.340/.487 with 23 home runs in Triple-A, and Crow-Armstrong is viewed as a future star, particularly for his defensive prowess in center field.
This outfield logjam has many speculating about how the Cubs will manage playing time while maintaining developmental opportunities for their young talent. Some believe the Cubs’ midseason trade of Isaac Paredes for Christopher Morel was a prelude to their offseason strategy. While the trade was initially seen as a move to boost their playoff push, it also positioned the Cubs to have additional assets for future trades. Paredes’ ability to play all four infield positions made him an invaluable piece as the team tries to juggle its roster since Morel was getting time as a started in the outfield and Seiya Suzuki was starting as DH more often than he’d like to.
Another storyline dominating the Cubs’ offseason involves Cody Bellinger. Coming off a resurgent 2024 campaign where he batted .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs in center field, Bellinger has drawn interest from multiple teams, most notably the Yankees. Rumors suggest the Yankees are eager to acquire Bellinger but are hesitant about his $27 million salary for 2025. Reports indicate they’ve asked the Cubs to eat a portion of that salary to facilitate a deal. For the Cubs, the calculus is complicated. Bellinger’s power and defense make him a valuable asset, but trading him could free up resources and address other roster needs. If the Yankees aren’t willing to part with high-level prospects or immediate contributors, the Cubs may opt to keep Bellinger, banking on his continued production to anchor their lineup. His 2024 performance suggests he can remain a cornerstone player if he avoids the injury struggles that plagued him earlier in his career.
Seiya Suzuki’s situation adds yet another wrinkle. Suzuki’s desire to play right field and avoid being relegated to designated hitter duties complicates the roster dynamics, especially with Tucker now in the mix. Adding to the complexity is Suzuki’s full no-trade clause, which gives him control over his future. Despite rumors of potential trades, Suzuki’s agent has publicly stated he wants to start in more in right field and less as the designated hitter. Given his consistent offensive production that may not happen due to the fact that his defense is average at best. Suzuki’s 2024 season, which included a .848 OPS and 3.5 WAR, highlights his value on offense. Still, finding a way to harmonize the outfield roles of Suzuki, Tucker, and the team’s other options will require creative solutions from the coaching staff. Craig Counsell will need to carefully balance playing time to keep everyone productive and content.
Another intriguing move following the Winter Meetings was the signing of catcher Carson Kelly to a one-year, $6 million deal. Kelly, who hit .238/.313/.374 with nine home runs in limited action last season, brings veteran depth to the catcher position. With Matt Thaiss already on the roster the Cubs now have a tandem that can handle the pitching staff effectively. However, the addition of Kelly raises questions about the future of Miguel Amaya. Amaya, who hit .232/.288/.357 with eight home runs in 117 games, showed promise in 2024 but now finds himself potentially on the trade block. If the Cubs believe Kelly and Thaiss can provide sufficient defense behind the plate, Amaya could be used as a trade chip to address other areas of need, such as bullpen depth or additional infield support.
The moves made before and after the Winter Meetings reflect a bold and aggressive approach through trades by the Cubs’ front office. The addition of Tucker and Boyd potentially demonstrates a commitment to contending in 2025, but these acquisitions have also introduced significant challenges. Balancing the outfield rotation, deciding on Bellinger’s future, and determining the best use of assets like Amaya will require strategic thinking and decisive action. Additionally, the Cubs must address lingering questions about their bullpen. Despite solid performances from arms like Keegan Thompson, who posted a 2.67 ERA in 2024, and Julian Merryweather, who struck out 28 batters in 26 innings, the bullpen remains a work in progress. Adding another reliable late-inning arm could be crucial to solidifying their pitching staff.
Here’s the thing folks: The Cubs’ offseason has been anything but dull. However, the Cubs are still tasked with addressing their infield depth. Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner form one of the best middle infield duos in the league, but both spent time on the Injured List in 2024 and questions remain at third base.
With that… Ultimately, the moves made so far this offseason leave a hole at third base and keeps them needing a proven power bat. The front office faces immense pressure to deliver results, and fans will be watching closely to see if this bold approach pays off.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!