Mailbag: The Offseason Is Here

By: Jacob Zanolla

Thoughts on the idea of bringing Anthony Rizzo back in a different role? (Not an everyday player)- David Martin (@SICubs87)

With Rizzo once again entering free agency (The Yankees declined his team option on Saturday morning), it was only a matter of time until this was brought up. Rizzo has been banged up over the last two seasons, adding on to the fact that he got hurt a decent amount in Chicago as well. He hit .267 this postseason, with a relatively mediocre .721 OPS. I think the main reason fans want Rizzo back is for the nostalgia factor, which I understand. However, we cut ties with him once before, and there is no reason to bring him back until he is ready to retire, when he signs a one-day contract to play at Wrigley.

Most realistic player for the Cubs to add this offseason? –Ryan (@chcplswin)

This one is tough, because I still think Cody Bellinger’s decision makes things complicated. Because of this, I’m going to go with Max Fried. Fried is one of the best free agent arms available, and is friends with Dansby Swanson, who will surely try to lure the southpaw to Chicago.

Which prospects do you think will be gone after the offseason? – @Imanagamygoat

James Triantos and Kevin Alcantara are the main prospects I think will probably be moved in a trade, most likely receiving a catcher in return. The Cubs have plenty of middle infielders at the moment, and Triantos has been included in trade talks.

Why is Jed Hoyer and co an unserious front office? When do we truly and realistically expect this team to make the playoffs instead of getting eliminated in the last week or 2 of the season? Why doesn’t Jed and Tom have enough guts to go after a guy like Soto? – Alex (@BirdsellIsMyAce)

First off, I wouldn’t say that Jed Hoyer and co are an unserious front office. Do they frustrate fans often? Yes. Would it be nice if they made the playoffs? Yes. However, unserious seems to be overstepping it. I think we can make the playoffs in 2025. As you said though, we’ve came close but haven’t reached that goal since 2018 (sort of), so I get why you’re angry. In regards to Soto, I fully expect the Cubs to make an offer, and a real one at that. The main problem is that Soto probably doesn’t want to come to Chicago, and will end up staying somewhere in New York.

What moves will the Cubs make to get to the next level?– (@fan_Cornell)

If the Cubs want to win in 2025, they need a new catcher, a revamped bullpen, a really good starting pitcher, and a big bat to fuel the offense. In my fantasyland imagination, that would mean Cal Raleigh, Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott, Max Fried, and Pete Alonso. However, I’d be shocked if more than one or two of those things happen.

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