Speaker 1:
0:02
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up look from the top step of the dugout. Welcome to the Baseball Classics Podcast. Covering any season from 1901 to the present, We'll explore exciting pennant races, dive headfirst, analyzing and even doing some comparisons that are bound to settle an argument or start one up. And now here's your host, Dean Pitino.
Speaker 2:
0:33
Hello again, everybody. Thanks so much for tuning in to this Baseball Classics Diamondcast. Always great to be with you as we take a look at the 2024 Chicago Cubs and a look ahead to their 2025 season. They've already had a very busy offseason. We'll talk about that coming up in this episode.
Speaker 2:
0:50
But first head on over to baseballclassicscom slash diamondview to get the latest and greatest, the most comprehensive number one platform on the web. One page, everything you need to know that's happening in Major League Baseball every single day Rumors, trades, news, transactions and so much more. It's all there no login, easy navigation. Baseballclassicscom slash Diamond View. It's our real-time Diamond View service, free for all baseball fans. So do yourself a favor head on over, let all your other baseball buddies know about it. Baseballclassicscom slash Diamond View.
Speaker 2:
1:33
All right, just before we dive into the Chicago Cubs 2024 season, I want to let you know that Baseball Classics scores all the players in Major League Baseball history, 1901 to present, and the teams as well. So I'm going to share with you how we scored the 2024 Chicago Cubs Scores all the players in Major League Baseball history, 1901 to present, and the teams as well. So I'm going to share with you how we scored the 2024 Chicago Cubs. We're going to look at the batters, we're going to look at the pitchers and we'll just look at the top players on the team overall. So, starting with batting, their batting average and ISO performance was definitely below average. The good news for the Cubs their OPS and their ability to hit doubles was above average, triples, far below average, and same with home runs. Now you would think, playing Wrigley Field, this team at least would be above average when it comes to hitting home runs. But again, their power numbers are are not very impressive. Total bases another problem for the Cubs not reaching base enough to move the runners over. Actually, their ability to get on base via the walk is really good, but it's moving runners around which again you'll hear coming up in this episode. It has been a problem for the Cubs. The slugging average is below average for this ball. Club Runs created runs again. They just have a problem with again moving base runners around once they do get on base. Their base sailing and their base running capability is not very good. The good news is for them on the fielding side, they're a pretty good defensive team when it comes to catching the ball. They're not going to make too many errors in the field.
Speaker 2:
3:07
Now, on the pitching side, their ERA I mean really all their pitching was pretty good overall. Where they were weak, like a lot of teams complete games and shutouts and then their walks. They walked too many batters. They weren't the worst in the league but they walked too many. They were pretty good in other areas, but another area of weakness definitely was their bullpen Not have a lot of save opportunities or convert save opportunities for this 2024 Chicago Cubs team. So these are all areas that they really need to take a look at and address overall for the ball club.
Speaker 2:
3:44
As far as the top players on the team, the top batters rank, we rank them the top eight batters for the Cubs, in other words the top position players. So we have Happ, suzuki, horner, then Dansby, swanson only fourth, then Bellinger fifth. So the Cubs of course looking to trade Bellinger this offseason. He had a good season, but it wasn't a great season, so they're not going to get what they may have hoped for, especially based on the size contract that Bellinger has. The sixth best position player for the Cubs was Bush, then Crow, armstrong and then Morrell. So those are the top eight players for the Cubs. Top eight pitchers Hodge, imanaga, leiter Jr, miller, steele, brown, neris and Wes Neske, who was just recently dealt in that Carl Tucker trade. So that's a look. The Cubs overall team actually was pretty good. I mean, their overall score wasn't too bad, but again they have some areas they really need to work on to improve.
Speaker 2:
4:50
And now, with that, let's go ahead and dive in to the Chicago Cubs 2024 season and look ahead to 2025. All right, the 2024 Chicago Cubs Building for the Future. This season for them, this past season, 2024, will go down as one of promise and perseverance. The team entered the season with high hopes, eager to build upon the strides they made in 2023. As a blend of young talent and established veterans on their ball club, the Cubs had the makings of a contender. Yet as the season unfolded, they found themselves falling just short of a playoff berth. Despite the disappointment, the 2024 season served as a stepping stone in the Cubs' continued rebuilding efforts.
Speaker 2:
5:41
Now let's go back to the 2023-2024 offseason, which was a pivotal one for the Chicago Cubs as they looked to build on their strong 2023 season and strengthen their roster for a postseason push. And despite some promising progress, the Cubs made relatively few moves in the offseason, which ultimately left some gaps that would become apparent during the 2024 season. Now, the most significant offseason move was the re-signing of Cody Ballinger. Ballinger had an excellent 2023 campaign after signing a one-year deal with the Cubs, showing flashes of his former MVP form and playing a key role in the team's offense. His ability to hit for power, drive in runs and play stellar defense in center field made him one of the Cubs' most valuable players. Given his success in 2023, the Cubs decided to extend him on a multi-year deal, securing a centerpiece player for their lineup going forward.
Speaker 2:
6:48
However, the Cubs' other offseason moves were limited and they did not add significant pieces to address other key need areas. This lack of activity left some critical gaps on the roster, especially at third base and catcher positions, that became problematic for the team over the course of the season. The Cubs were unable to find a reliable everyday option at third base and their catching situation lacked stability, making it difficult to compete consistently. Despite these gaps, the Cubs' front office trusted in the talent they had, including players like Ian Happ, seiya Suzuki, nico Horner and Patrick Wisdom, hoping that the team would overcome these shortcomings. Additionally, the pitching staff, with standout players like Justin Steele and Jamison Tyon, were expected to carry the load.
Speaker 2:
7:52
During the 2024 season, the Chicago Cubs made a few notable moves to strengthen their roster and push for a playoff spot, but they did not make any major trades but focused on improving some key areas, particularly their bullpen. Dansby Swanson, another high-profile offseason acquisition from the year prior, continued to be a key player for the Cubs in 2024. Swanson's gold glove caliber defense at shortstop was crucial for the Cubs as he contributed with a consistent bat, providing depth in both the top and the middle of the lineup. The Cubs bullpen saw an important addition when they claimed pitcher Jose Cuas off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in May of 2024. Cuas was added to provide depth in the bullpen and, while he did not have a major impact in terms of high leverage situations, his addition added much-needed versatility to the Cubs relief corps. Cuas provided some stability when called upon, but was more of a depth option during the year.
Speaker 2:
8:57
Despite these acquisitions, the Cubs ultimately fell short of a playoff spot. Inconsistent pitching, particularly from the bullpen, and a lack of timely hitting in key moments were factors that held the team back. While the Cubs had some solid individual performances, including from Bellinger and Swanson, they were unable to put together the consistency necessary for a postseason berth. The Cubs' inability to make the playoffs in 2024 came down to several factors. First and foremost, their pitching staff, despite some strong individual performances, lacked the depth to sustain a postseason push. Young pitchers like Justin Steele and Hayden Wisniewski showed promise, but they were inconsistent at times and the bullpen wasn't always able to hold leads. In addition to pitching, the Cubs offense, while potent at times, was streaky. The team struggled to find consistency in key situations, especially when it came to driving in runs with men in scoring position. Their power numbers were solid, but they couldn't consistently string together productive innings, often leaving men on base in crucial moments. Lastly, the Cubs defense was not as sharp as it had been in previous seasons. While players like Happ and Horner were solid defensively, there were too many errors and misplays that cost the team runs and this Cubs team. They couldn't afford to give away extra outs, especially in tight games where every play mattered.
Speaker 2:
10:35
The Chicago Cubs have been notably active during the 24-25 offseason, executing significant moves to enhance their roster for this upcoming 2025 season. In a major transaction, the Cubs acquired all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. The deal sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wisniewski and third base prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros. Tucker, a three-time All-Star, brings up potent bat and strong defensive skills to the Cubs outfield, addressing the team's need for a consistent offensive presence. Concurrently, reports indicate that the New York Yankees have shown significant interest in acquiring Ballinger, viewing him as a potential fit for their roster. However, discussions have encountered challenges, particularly concerning the financial aspects of Ballinger's contract. The Cubs are reportedly seeking to cover a substantial portion of his $52.5 million contract to facilitate a trade. To address the catching position, the Cubs signed veteran catcher Carson Kelly to a two-year $11.5 million contract. Kelly, who spent the 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, is expected to share catching duties with Miguel Amaya. In 91 games last season, kelly posted a .238 batting average with nine home runs and 37 RBIs. The Cubs have made strategic moves to enhance their roster for the 2025 season, including the acquisition of Kyle Tucker, the signing of Carson Kelly and maintaining financial flexibility. The status of Cody Bellinger remains a key factor in the team's roster composition as they approach spring
Speaker 2:
12:30
training. Early projections for the 2025 season place the Cubs in a competitive position within the NL Central. According to Fangraph's steamer projections, the Cubs are expected to finish with an 83-79 record, placing them second in the division behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Similarly, roto Champs projections have the Cubs finishing with an 82-80 record, also positioning them second in the NL Central. The NL Central is projected to be a highly competitive one in 2025. The Milwaukee Brewers are favored to lead the division, with projections indicating a 93-69 record. The St Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are also expected to be strong contenders, with projected records of 85-77 and 79-83, respectively respectively. While projections place them behind the Brewers, the Cubs' offseason moves have positioned them as possible contenders for the division title in 2025. All right. Well, that, of course, remains to be seen as the Cubs continue their active offseason, and we'll see what happens with Cody Ballinger, as this is recorded, on December 16th of
Speaker 2:
13:48
2024. What will the Cubs get in return? Will they get a solid third baseman to fill that hole and also some bullpen pitching, as their starting staff is pretty good for the Cubs? So there's still a lot of work for the Cubs to do. Getting Carl Tucker in the trade with the Astros was really a big catch for the Cubs, so there's still a lot of work for the Cubs to do. Getting Carl Tucker in the trade with the Astros was really a big catch for the Cubs. Will they sign him once he becomes a free agent or before that? We'll see what the Cubs' plans are, of course, in the next year or so. All right, that's a wrap for this Baseball Classics Diamondcast. Again, thanks so much for tuning in. We'll be back with another team as we look to see how they performed in 2024, what the gaps were, and look ahead for them in 2025. So we'll see you in the next episode of Baseball Classics Diamondcast. So long, everybody.
0:02
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up look from the top step of the dugout. Welcome to the Baseball Classics Podcast. Covering any season from 1901 to the present, We'll explore exciting pennant races, dive headfirst, analyzing and even doing some comparisons that are bound to settle an argument or start one up. And now here's your host, Dean Pitino.
Speaker 2:
0:33
Hello again, everybody. Thanks so much for tuning in to this Baseball Classics Diamondcast. Always great to be with you as we take a look at the 2024 Chicago Cubs and a look ahead to their 2025 season. They've already had a very busy offseason. We'll talk about that coming up in this episode.
Speaker 2:
0:50
But first head on over to baseballclassicscom slash diamondview to get the latest and greatest, the most comprehensive number one platform on the web. One page, everything you need to know that's happening in Major League Baseball every single day Rumors, trades, news, transactions and so much more. It's all there no login, easy navigation. Baseballclassicscom slash Diamond View. It's our real-time Diamond View service, free for all baseball fans. So do yourself a favor head on over, let all your other baseball buddies know about it. Baseballclassicscom slash Diamond View.
Speaker 2:
1:33
All right, just before we dive into the Chicago Cubs 2024 season, I want to let you know that Baseball Classics scores all the players in Major League Baseball history, 1901 to present, and the teams as well. So I'm going to share with you how we scored the 2024 Chicago Cubs Scores all the players in Major League Baseball history, 1901 to present, and the teams as well. So I'm going to share with you how we scored the 2024 Chicago Cubs. We're going to look at the batters, we're going to look at the pitchers and we'll just look at the top players on the team overall. So, starting with batting, their batting average and ISO performance was definitely below average. The good news for the Cubs their OPS and their ability to hit doubles was above average, triples, far below average, and same with home runs. Now you would think, playing Wrigley Field, this team at least would be above average when it comes to hitting home runs. But again, their power numbers are are not very impressive. Total bases another problem for the Cubs not reaching base enough to move the runners over. Actually, their ability to get on base via the walk is really good, but it's moving runners around which again you'll hear coming up in this episode. It has been a problem for the Cubs. The slugging average is below average for this ball. Club Runs created runs again. They just have a problem with again moving base runners around once they do get on base. Their base sailing and their base running capability is not very good. The good news is for them on the fielding side, they're a pretty good defensive team when it comes to catching the ball. They're not going to make too many errors in the field.
Speaker 2:
3:07
Now, on the pitching side, their ERA I mean really all their pitching was pretty good overall. Where they were weak, like a lot of teams complete games and shutouts and then their walks. They walked too many batters. They weren't the worst in the league but they walked too many. They were pretty good in other areas, but another area of weakness definitely was their bullpen Not have a lot of save opportunities or convert save opportunities for this 2024 Chicago Cubs team. So these are all areas that they really need to take a look at and address overall for the ball club.
Speaker 2:
3:44
As far as the top players on the team, the top batters rank, we rank them the top eight batters for the Cubs, in other words the top position players. So we have Happ, suzuki, horner, then Dansby, swanson only fourth, then Bellinger fifth. So the Cubs of course looking to trade Bellinger this offseason. He had a good season, but it wasn't a great season, so they're not going to get what they may have hoped for, especially based on the size contract that Bellinger has. The sixth best position player for the Cubs was Bush, then Crow, armstrong and then Morrell. So those are the top eight players for the Cubs. Top eight pitchers Hodge, imanaga, leiter Jr, miller, steele, brown, neris and Wes Neske, who was just recently dealt in that Carl Tucker trade. So that's a look. The Cubs overall team actually was pretty good. I mean, their overall score wasn't too bad, but again they have some areas they really need to work on to improve.
Speaker 2:
4:50
And now, with that, let's go ahead and dive in to the Chicago Cubs 2024 season and look ahead to 2025. All right, the 2024 Chicago Cubs Building for the Future. This season for them, this past season, 2024, will go down as one of promise and perseverance. The team entered the season with high hopes, eager to build upon the strides they made in 2023. As a blend of young talent and established veterans on their ball club, the Cubs had the makings of a contender. Yet as the season unfolded, they found themselves falling just short of a playoff berth. Despite the disappointment, the 2024 season served as a stepping stone in the Cubs' continued rebuilding efforts.
Speaker 2:
5:41
Now let's go back to the 2023-2024 offseason, which was a pivotal one for the Chicago Cubs as they looked to build on their strong 2023 season and strengthen their roster for a postseason push. And despite some promising progress, the Cubs made relatively few moves in the offseason, which ultimately left some gaps that would become apparent during the 2024 season. Now, the most significant offseason move was the re-signing of Cody Ballinger. Ballinger had an excellent 2023 campaign after signing a one-year deal with the Cubs, showing flashes of his former MVP form and playing a key role in the team's offense. His ability to hit for power, drive in runs and play stellar defense in center field made him one of the Cubs' most valuable players. Given his success in 2023, the Cubs decided to extend him on a multi-year deal, securing a centerpiece player for their lineup going forward.
Speaker 2:
6:48
However, the Cubs' other offseason moves were limited and they did not add significant pieces to address other key need areas. This lack of activity left some critical gaps on the roster, especially at third base and catcher positions, that became problematic for the team over the course of the season. The Cubs were unable to find a reliable everyday option at third base and their catching situation lacked stability, making it difficult to compete consistently. Despite these gaps, the Cubs' front office trusted in the talent they had, including players like Ian Happ, seiya Suzuki, nico Horner and Patrick Wisdom, hoping that the team would overcome these shortcomings. Additionally, the pitching staff, with standout players like Justin Steele and Jamison Tyon, were expected to carry the load.
Speaker 2:
7:52
During the 2024 season, the Chicago Cubs made a few notable moves to strengthen their roster and push for a playoff spot, but they did not make any major trades but focused on improving some key areas, particularly their bullpen. Dansby Swanson, another high-profile offseason acquisition from the year prior, continued to be a key player for the Cubs in 2024. Swanson's gold glove caliber defense at shortstop was crucial for the Cubs as he contributed with a consistent bat, providing depth in both the top and the middle of the lineup. The Cubs bullpen saw an important addition when they claimed pitcher Jose Cuas off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in May of 2024. Cuas was added to provide depth in the bullpen and, while he did not have a major impact in terms of high leverage situations, his addition added much-needed versatility to the Cubs relief corps. Cuas provided some stability when called upon, but was more of a depth option during the year.
Speaker 2:
8:57
Despite these acquisitions, the Cubs ultimately fell short of a playoff spot. Inconsistent pitching, particularly from the bullpen, and a lack of timely hitting in key moments were factors that held the team back. While the Cubs had some solid individual performances, including from Bellinger and Swanson, they were unable to put together the consistency necessary for a postseason berth. The Cubs' inability to make the playoffs in 2024 came down to several factors. First and foremost, their pitching staff, despite some strong individual performances, lacked the depth to sustain a postseason push. Young pitchers like Justin Steele and Hayden Wisniewski showed promise, but they were inconsistent at times and the bullpen wasn't always able to hold leads. In addition to pitching, the Cubs offense, while potent at times, was streaky. The team struggled to find consistency in key situations, especially when it came to driving in runs with men in scoring position. Their power numbers were solid, but they couldn't consistently string together productive innings, often leaving men on base in crucial moments. Lastly, the Cubs defense was not as sharp as it had been in previous seasons. While players like Happ and Horner were solid defensively, there were too many errors and misplays that cost the team runs and this Cubs team. They couldn't afford to give away extra outs, especially in tight games where every play mattered.
Speaker 2:
10:35
The Chicago Cubs have been notably active during the 24-25 offseason, executing significant moves to enhance their roster for this upcoming 2025 season. In a major transaction, the Cubs acquired all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. The deal sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wisniewski and third base prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros. Tucker, a three-time All-Star, brings up potent bat and strong defensive skills to the Cubs outfield, addressing the team's need for a consistent offensive presence. Concurrently, reports indicate that the New York Yankees have shown significant interest in acquiring Ballinger, viewing him as a potential fit for their roster. However, discussions have encountered challenges, particularly concerning the financial aspects of Ballinger's contract. The Cubs are reportedly seeking to cover a substantial portion of his $52.5 million contract to facilitate a trade. To address the catching position, the Cubs signed veteran catcher Carson Kelly to a two-year $11.5 million contract. Kelly, who spent the 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, is expected to share catching duties with Miguel Amaya. In 91 games last season, kelly posted a .238 batting average with nine home runs and 37 RBIs. The Cubs have made strategic moves to enhance their roster for the 2025 season, including the acquisition of Kyle Tucker, the signing of Carson Kelly and maintaining financial flexibility. The status of Cody Bellinger remains a key factor in the team's roster composition as they approach spring
Speaker 2:
12:30
training. Early projections for the 2025 season place the Cubs in a competitive position within the NL Central. According to Fangraph's steamer projections, the Cubs are expected to finish with an 83-79 record, placing them second in the division behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Similarly, roto Champs projections have the Cubs finishing with an 82-80 record, also positioning them second in the NL Central. The NL Central is projected to be a highly competitive one in 2025. The Milwaukee Brewers are favored to lead the division, with projections indicating a 93-69 record. The St Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are also expected to be strong contenders, with projected records of 85-77 and 79-83, respectively respectively. While projections place them behind the Brewers, the Cubs' offseason moves have positioned them as possible contenders for the division title in 2025. All right. Well, that, of course, remains to be seen as the Cubs continue their active offseason, and we'll see what happens with Cody Ballinger, as this is recorded, on December 16th of
Speaker 2:
13:48
2024. What will the Cubs get in return? Will they get a solid third baseman to fill that hole and also some bullpen pitching, as their starting staff is pretty good for the Cubs? So there's still a lot of work for the Cubs to do. Getting Carl Tucker in the trade with the Astros was really a big catch for the Cubs, so there's still a lot of work for the Cubs to do. Getting Carl Tucker in the trade with the Astros was really a big catch for the Cubs. Will they sign him once he becomes a free agent or before that? We'll see what the Cubs' plans are, of course, in the next year or so. All right, that's a wrap for this Baseball Classics Diamondcast. Again, thanks so much for tuning in. We'll be back with another team as we look to see how they performed in 2024, what the gaps were, and look ahead for them in 2025. So we'll see you in the next episode of Baseball Classics Diamondcast. So long, everybody.
