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3 Moves Cubs Can Make to Guarantee Playoff Spot in Shortened Season

By Steven Kubitza

The Chicago Cubs should not rush to trade Kris Bryant.
The Chicago Cubs should not rush to trade Kris Bryant. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Chicago Cubs may be approaching the end of an era in 2020 and some key players will be demanding major contracts in the coming years. A shortened season this year allows the Cubs to chase one more title, albeit under unique circumstances. There a a few things Chicago can do in order to ensure the team gets back into the postseason in 2020.

3. Give Nico Hoerner Playing Time

The Chicago Cubs have a nice young player in Nico Hoerner.
The Chicago Cubs have a nice young player in Nico Hoerner. / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Nico Hoerner was the No. 24 overall pick by the Cubs in the 2018 MLB Draft and made his debut last September. He can play in both the infield and the outfield and is the perfect versatile player for a National League team. The organization's top prospect even batted .282 in 20 games last season and can continue to develop in 2020. His MLB action is limited so it may take time for opposing pitchers to figure him out. Rising through the system so fast shows how talented Hoerner is and can be moving forward.

2. Add Bullpen Help

Chicago Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel struggled in 2019.
Chicago Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel struggled in 2019. / Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

The Chicago Cubs signed Craig Kimbrel last June to be the dominant force in the bullpen. He proceeded to finish the year 0-4 with a 6.53 ERA in only 23 games. His 13 saves were a major drop-off from the 42 he had in 2018. No team is going to touch him and the $16 million he is set to earn so the Cubs should go out and seek reinforcements while also hoping he improves. Adding a reliever like Brad Hand in a trade with the Cleveland Indians could add insurance in case Kimbrel is a bust yet again.

1. Keep Kris Bryant

The Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant may be breaking up soon.
The Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant may be breaking up soon. / Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

Kris Bryant's name came up in trade rumors this offseason and his value shot up after the team won a grievance that keeps him under team control through 2021. However, the unique circumstances of the season should stop any potential trades and have the front office commit to going all-in to win another title. The 2016 NL MVP may not be in Chicago for long, but trading him during a shortened season would only enrage fans and actively hurt the team.