Here is my MLB 2019 Offseason Breakdown Blog. This time it is on the Chicago Cubs and I will talk about who the Cubs acquired and lost, their starting lineup and pitching rotation and my prediction for them this season. Let’s get into the blog.
Offseason Acquisitions and Loses:
Daniel Murphy signs a 2 year $24 million contract with the Rockies
Murphy was traded from the Nats to the Cubs last season and Murphy played pretty good for his short time with the team. He got on base pretty consistently and had a batting average of .297. Now it makes sense for the Cubs to not resign Murphy because he did get a lot of money from Colorado and the Cubs were able to easily replace him with Ben Zobrist who they already had.
Justin Wilsons signs a 2 year $10 million contract with the Mets
Wilson isn’t the best relief pitcher in the MLB, but he is a very dominant lefty pitcher against lefty hitters. Last season Wilson had a 1.61 ERA and lefties had a .190 batting average against him. It’s always nice to have a pitcher like that on the team, but the Cubs already have a pretty good bullpen.
Starting Lineup:
C: Wilson Contreas
1B: Anthony Rizzo
2B: Ben Zobrist
3B: Kris Bryant
SS: Javier Baez
LF: Kyle Schwaber
CF: Albert Almora Jr.
RF: Jayson Heyward
Starting Rotation:
1. Jon Lester
2. Cole Hamels
3. Yu Darvish
4. Kyle Hendricks
5. Jose Quintana
Offseason Grade: C
Prediction:
The Cubs didn’t change their roster at all from last season. Like nothing. And what happened last season with this very similar roster. A wild card loss to the Rockies. The Cubs really needed to do something that could’ve improved their roster. Now what could they have done, I don’t know, but they could’ve targeted free agents like A.J. Pollock or Andrew McCutchen to improve their hitting and outfield defense. It also doesn’t help that the Cardinals added some major players to their team and the Brewers signed back most of their free agents. My prediction for this team is another 2nd place finish and another wild card appearance.
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