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It's no secret the Chicago Cubs need a lot of All-Star caliber pieces this offseason if they want to make the postseason next year. They enjoy the advantage of being in arguably the weakest division in the National League. However, despite that, for some reason, the ownership have been reluctant to make big moves to address roster concerns.
The NL Central division doesn't have a team with more resources than the Cubs. The Brewers won the division in 2024 but they themselves don't have as deep pockets as the Cubs.
This is why MLB insider Ken Rosenthal called them out as "Dork of the Week" after they lost out on signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, who is going to the NL West's LA Dodgers on a five-year, $182 million deal.
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"I'm going to go with Cubs ownership, and the reason for that is all we’re hearing out of Chicago, on the north side, is that they’re not going to be involved in any of the big free agents," Rosenthal said on "Fair Territory with Ken Rosenthal". "They’re just going to do some other things. They’re trying to trade Cody Bellinger—I get that—but where are the Cubs?"
Rosenthal then cited the example of the Boston Red Sox who are looking to sign Juan Soto in order to get competitive once again. He then said the Cubs are in a winnable decision but lack focus.
"The Cubs, playing in a division that is eminently winnable—I'm sorry, Milwaukee is really good, but the Cubs can absolutely be better than the Milwaukee Brewers," Rosenthal added. "They have more resources than the Brewers. They have the ability, if they spend some money, to become a special team. They’re a little bit away—we all recognize that.
"So, the Cubs have an opportunity here to maybe seize control of this division, and they are squandering it. Cubs ownership: dorks of the week."
Ken Rosenthal highlights Cubs roster needs this offseason
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a pickle. They are open to trading outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger who signed a three-year, $80 million deal last offseason. After being named NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2023, Bellinger's production took a massive hit, with him only hitting 18 home runs in 2024.
The Cubs are reportedly not finding suitors to pick up Bellinger's contract which is taking a massive hit on their payroll. Ken Rosenthal highlighted the team's needs this offseason.
"They need more—more starting pitching, more offense, and a better bullpen. All of this is necessary," Rosenthal said.
It remains to be seen if the Cubs manage to offload themselves out of Cody Bellinger's high AAV contract and get competitive by spending this offseason.
