2024 Cubs

[MrSheps]

Anonymous Pessimist: They aren’t visibly improved over last year. They aren’t really trying to get better. The goal is mediocrity and sneaking into a bloated playoff field, and that sucks.

I really don't get this take, as a team that is fine with mediocrity doesn't upgrade their manager the way the Cubs did. That's the easiest non-move out there. And if you're familiar with the players in the farm system at all, it just doesn't track. If you look at Shaw, Horton, PCA, Alcantara, Cassie... Sure, they will not all pan out, but this is how you build/enhance a core, Cubs fans saw it happen in 15, 16.

Now, like any fan, I do wish the Cubs were willing to go over the CBT threshold. Adding Montgomery would be huge. They could have added Chapman for a season and placed Morel at DH, that's one heck of a defense and lineup. I get being frustrated that they won't do things to put them (on paper) over the top in the division, but with the farm system where it is, and the depth the Cubs have on the 40 man, I get the hesitation. If they had no prospects knocking on the door, and no options for these spots above replacement level, or this was baseball as it was when I growing up, I'd be with the anonymous pessimist. But looking at the organization as a whole right now, I think you have to be optimistic.