After a swift wild-card round sweep by San Diego, the Chicago Cubs are reflecting on their season with a sense of disappointment. President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, shared his thoughts on what went wrong and the path forward. The most recurring sentiment among players and coaches is the need to improve.
Season of Highs and Lows
Hoyer described the season as unlike any he has experienced in his 25-year career. The team faced significant challenges including injuries to relievers in April and scrambling for a rotation in June. Despite these hurdles, there were periods where the Cubs looked like a top team. However, their poor performance in September cost them a deeper run in the playoffs.
Roster Changes on the Horizon
The team retains most of its core players for 2027, with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki as the main free agents. Hoyer acknowledges that the Cubs need to bolster their roster to compete more effectively.
1. Bullpen Improvement Needed
The Cubs’ bullpen, once a strong point, struggled in 2026. Key acquisitions Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton missed significant time due to injuries. The duo delivered a lackluster performance, presenting a clear need for revamping the bullpen. Hoyer plans to improve the bullpen through internal development and acquiring new talent.
2. Rotation Requires Enhancements
The upcoming offseason poses rotation challenges with impending free agents and uncertain recovery of injured starters. The Cubs need to address their tendency to allow home runs. Edward Cabrera’s inconsistent performance highlights issues that need resolving. Hoyer acknowledges the need for better scouting, development, and strategic acquisitions.
3. Potential Aggressive Moves Before Lockout
With the collective bargaining agreement soon expiring, a lockout looms. The Cubs may act swiftly in November to secure essential deals. Previous experiences suggest an active period before and after a lockout. Re-signing pitchers like Holmes, Peterson, or Gausman could be crucial for the team.
Hoyer emphasizes the importance of making smart decisions and finding mutually beneficial deals to address the roster’s needs.