Cubs Might Actively Take a Step Back in 2020 and That Should Make Fans Furious
By Michael Luciano
In what is a major about-face from Theo Epstein, the Chicago Cubs don't appear to be gearing up for a deep run in the playoffs next year. Instead, they appear to be cutting costs to expand their championship window.
Don't expect too many big signings in new manager David Ross' first season at the helm, as the Cubs won't be players on many of the top free agents this offseason.
The Cubs don't expect it to be as quiet a winter for them as last offseason, but they're not expecting to make big free-agent splashes. And in an attempt to extend their window well beyond 2021, a step back in 2020 isn't out of the question. https://t.co/SWadJZokkH
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) November 6, 2019
Fans might have been able to see the warning signs of such a change in philosophy when they declined a free agent option on veteran starter Cole Hamels.
This comes off as an incredibly puzzling move. The NL Central is one of the more winnable divisions in baseball, as the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers aren't exactly the two most dominant teams in the league. Trying to not go for it every year when you have Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez is a puzzling choice.
The standard was set three years ago today. pic.twitter.com/p5qpyUOShK
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 2, 2019
The Cubs have a young lineup ready to do damage in a division that they could easily win, but it appears as if they're going to lay low in the free agent market in Ross' first season as manager. Get ready for that sweet 81-81 mediocrity, Cubs fans.