The Chicago Cubs made a surprising push in 2023 but fell short of a magical playoff run. It wasn't enjoyable, but the leap into relevancy raised expectations for the 2024 season. Even though the Cubs' lineup will have most of the same players as last year, the assumption is this team will be competing for the NL Central Division title.
Craig Counsell has replaced David Ross as the manager of the Cubs. A trade with the Dodgers brought Michael Busch to Chicago to be the everyday first baseman. Along with adding Shota Imanaga to the starting rotation, these are the significant differences to the team that took the field for most of 2023. Everything else is about the same.
The Cubs believe in their young core emerging from the minor leagues in the next couple of seasons. But they also feel incredibly confident in what will take the field on Opening Day in less than a week. Even with aspirations of a division crown, Jim Bowden of The Athletic brings one key element missing in the Cubs' lineup. So much so he doesn't even believe the Cubs' lineup is the best in the division.
Lack Of Power Raises Concern With Cubs Lineup
In ranking all 30 MLB projected lineups, Jim Bowden of The Athletic ranks the Cubs' lineup as the 13th best in baseball. He credits bringing back Cody Bellinger and the promising spring Seiya Suzuki has had. But he ends with wondering how much power the team can supply, specifically from the catcher and corner infielders.
It's also worth noting Bowden ranked the Cincinnati Reds ahead of the Cubs in 10th place, citing their young talent with high ceilings. They also play at the Great American Ballpark, known for giving up plenty of home runs.
In 2023, the Cubs were in the dead center of the pack in the home run category with 196 total bombs. In comparison, the Atlanta Braves had the most with 307. The Los Angeles Dodgers were in second with 249. The Reds hit 198, just two more than the Cubs.
Where The Power Will Come From For The Cubs
Jim Bowden of The Athletic questioned power from the corners of the infield and at catcher. Christopher Morel will be at third base, and Michael Busch will be at first. Busch played 98 games in AAA last year and hit 27 home runs. He also hit two as a September call-up for the Dodgers at the end of the year. And had Morel played 162 games in 2023, he's projected to have hit 31 home runs. He actually played in 107 games and hit 26.
Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya will be the catchers for this team. Gomes is not known for putting the ball over the fence. But he did hit 10 home runs and 32 extra-base hits in 2023. Amaya spent time in the minors and Chicago last season, hitting a combined 10 home runs. These are not the power numbers Bowden is looking for, but both have a knack for getting on base.
Power is a concern for the Cubs' lineup. It highly depends on Cody Bellinger being the primary source and the hopes of Busch, Morel, and Seiya Suzuki will pan out as expected. While the power remains questionable now, reinforcements are on the way. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, and Alexander Canario are waiting in their utility trucks, ready to flip the lights back on as needed.
