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Chicago Cubs (49-53, 9 games out in NL Central, 3 1/2 games out of last WC slot)
"Where we are right now, I would have to say that moves only for 2024 -- unless things change over the next week -- we probably won't do a lot of moves that only help us for this year," Hoyer said. "If moves help us for 2025 and beyond I think we're exceptionally well positioned."
From seven lines above:
3 1/2 games out of last WC slot
The Cubs have been incredibly frustrating in all phases of the game for four months, and they’re still around .500 and a good week from a playoff berth. Again, how much closer do you need to be to make buying -- and the Cubs have holes that could comfortably be fixed by league-average talent -- a good option?
The Cubs should be better down the stretch as well, when a whole bunch of injured pitchers return. As it is, their bullpen has been great lately, first in ERA and fourth in FIP over the last 30 days. The team badly needs at least one hitter, probably a corner infielder, and adding a bat-first catcher would help a lot. The idea that the Cubs, with their payroll, core talent, and position in the standings wouldn’t be trying hard to get into the tournament, would be focusing on next year, is offensive to me as a sports fan.
