After flurry of subtractions, Cubs need to fill depleted roster
They've made the playoffs six times in the last seven years, easily the greatest run of success in franchise history.
But after winning the World Series in 2016, the Cubs have been bounced from the postseason without much of a fight.
While losing seven of their last eight playoff games dating back to 2017, the Cubs scored a grand total of 7 runs. That includes 1 run while falling to the Marlins in two straight during the opening round last season.
Changes obviously need to be made, and new president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer knows it.
"We might have had the most static roster in baseball over the last six or seven years," Hoyer said on a Zoom call late last week. "That's not the norm. That's what we've had and gotten used to, so we can't be afraid of that change."
The Cubs have already seen big changes this offseason. Theo Epstein resigned on Nov. 17, opening the door for Hoyer's promotion from general manager.
Three veteran starters - Jon Lester, Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood - are free agents.
Two veteran outfielders - Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. - were non-tendered and are also on the open market.
Several other lesser name players have also been moved off the roster, including relief pitchers Jeremy Jeffress and Ryan Tepera and infielders Jason Kipnis and Daniel Descalso.
That is a lot of subtraction, so Hoyer's focus in the coming weeks will be on additions, particularly in the outfield and starting rotation.
As it stands now, the Cubs have Ian Happ in center field and Jason Heyward in right.
"We need three (outfielders)?" Hoyer jokingly asked.
Nico Hoerner has played 2 games in left field and one in center the last two seasons, but the Cubs will likely keep their 2018 first-round draft pick at second base.
If the Cubs are looking to add an outfielder or two that were non-tendered, Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall and former White Sox right fielder Nomar Mazara are the top names available.
Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks are solid at the top of the rotation, but there is quite a drop-off after that.
Alec Mills, Adbert Alzolay and Colin Rea are internal options, and Hoyer can also add from a glut of free-agent starting pitchers ranging from Trevor Bauer at the top down through James Paxton and Chris Archer.
As expected, the Cubs declined to pick up Lester's $21 million option for 2021. They bought out the veteran left-hander for $10 million and still have an interest on bringing him back next year at a reduced price.
In 12 starts last season, Lester was 3-3 with a 5.16 ERA.
"If things could work out, we'd love to have him back," Hoyer said. "I think we have to figure some things out first. Obviously, that kind of goes without saying, because otherwise something would be done by now. There are some things we want to work through first.
"What he's done for us is amazing, and certainly we're not ready to close that door."