The Chicago Cubs
In a surprising move, the Cubs hired manager Craig Counsell away from the Milwaukee Brewers to replace David Ross. The 53-year-old Counsell received a five-year contract worth more than $40 million, making it the largest-ever deal for a baseball manager. His successful tenure with the budget-conscious Brewers included five playoff appearances in the last six years, including an NL Central title.
The Cubs have an impressive mixture of proven veteran players and a handful of prospects that could impact the team this year.
I think Seiya Suzuki will have a break-out year. In 2023 he was benched by former manager David Ross. After the benching Suzuki returned with a vengeance, slashing .313/.372/.566 with a 149 wRC+ in the second half. He’s been tearing it up in Spring Training and led the Cubs with six home runs, five doubles, & 12 RBIs.
Keep an eye on 24-year-old infielder Christopher Morel, who has been working hard at third base. Morel hit 26 home runs and drove in 70 RBI’s with only 388 at bats last year. Watch Cubs prospect Matt Shaw, he might be the starting third basemen by the end of the year making Morel a DH.
Starting Pitching: Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga was the lone addition to the Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation this offseason, leaving Justin Steele to once again serve as their ace. Kyle Hendricks is back for another season along with youngsters Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad filling in for Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, who starts the year with lower back injury on the 15-day injured list with an eye on a mid-April return.
The Chicago Cubs have an impressive farm system in 2024, featuring a balanced mix of position players and promising pitching depth. The Cubs’ farm system has been highly regarded by evaluators, ranking as high as No. 2 by ESPN and No. 4 by Baseball America.
Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF): A talented outfielder currently playing at the AAA level, expected to make his debut in 2024.
Cade Horton (RHP): A right-handed pitcher in the AA level, projected to join the Cubs in 2024.
Owen Caissie (OF): Another outfielder, currently at the AA level, with an anticipated debut in 2025, although if Ian Happ gets injured or falters, look for Cassie to get a chance to play this year.
Ben Brown: Pitcher acquired in the David Robertson trade from the Phillies. It’s possible he could be in the bullpen or even the starting rotation by the season’s end.
Michael Busch hit .323 with a 1.049 OPS in Triple-A last year when they acquired him from the Dodgers in January. The Cubs have pretty much given him the first base job to start the season.
The Cubs face an early litmus test against the Texas Rangers, who are the defending World Series champions. This matchup will set the tone for their season, and they’ll also go head-to-head with other formidable foes like the Dodgers, D-backs, and Astros in April.
According the the experts, the 2024 outlook doesn’t exactly give the Chicago Cubs favorable odds at a successful season. The simulation calculates the Cubs at about 80.2 wins, giving them a 31.2% chance at making the playoffs, a 20.2% chance at winning the division, and an 11% chance at a wild card spot.
My Prediction: 92-70 Winning the NL Central or a 2nd place Wild-Card finish with The Cubs, Cardinals, & Reds all battling for the division title with around 90 wins.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are in a very winnable division, the AL Central. The Royals and Tigers have made some improvements, but Cleveland and Minnesota did nothing to improve.
Luis Robert Jr. is a superstar in the making. The White Sox’ best player said he wants to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bags. If he’s healthy, that is very possible.
For the White Sox to be successful they need bounce back seasons from 3B Yoan Moncada and OF Eloy Jimenez, both capable of hitting 20 home runs and driving in some runs.
Jimenez has only played over 100 games twice in his career. This is the final year of his guaranteed years on his contract. After that, it is two club options. It is in his best interest to stay in the lineup.
Starting Rotation: Dylan Cease was traded during spring training. Garrett Crochet is now the Opening Day starter as a result. He is being converted to a starter after being a bullpen arm since the 2020 season. He has only thrown in 73 innings during his career. Michael Soroka had a dominant 2019 season before injuries wiped away his 2021, 2022, and most of his 2023 season. Chris Flexen has had a couple of decent seasons in the big leagues. Maybe going to South Korea is just what Erick Fedde needed to revitalize his career.
Players to watch:
Colson Montgomery will be the starting shortstop by the end of the season. The Chicago White Sox’ top prospect is starting the season at Triple-A Charlotte. It makes sense to get him some at-bats at that level since he missed a portion of his Double-A season last year with an injury. He will be the White Sox Shortstop of the future which is why they let Tim Anderson leave in free agency. Paul DeJong will keep the shortstop position warm until then. DeJong should upgrade the position defensively. Just do not expect him to hit much.
Left handed pitcher Noah Schultz- he White Sox ended a 21-year span of not taking prep pitchers in the first round by selecting him 26th overall and signed him away from a Vanderbilt commitment for $2.8 million. With his size and arm angle, Schultz persistently draws physical comparisons to Randy Johnson. The 6’9″ pitcher is not as overpowering as the Hall of Famer. Schultz has a wicked slider with a fast ball between 93-95mph.
Drew Thorpe- The Padres acquired him as part of the Juan Soto blockbuster trade in December, then flipped him to the White Sox in a package for Dylan Cease three months later. Thorpe’s 91-95 mph fastball hasn’t wowed much in college or pro ball and would be a borderline below-average pitch if he didn’t spot it so well. His high strikeout numbers are driven by a stellar changeup, a low-80s offering that he sells exceptionally well before it hits the brakes and fades just before the hitter’s bat. Thorpe is the most advanced pitcher in Chicago’s system.
Dominic Fletcher might solve the Sox hole in right field. Last year it was supposed to be Oscar Colas but that didn’t work out well.
Fangraphs projects the White Sox will win 67 games. PECOTA forecasts the Sox to win around 65 games and gives them a zero chance of making the playoffs.
My Prediction: 74-88. They will be at the bottom of a very weak division. The biggest question is the starting pitching and bullpen. Because of the AL Central I see them winning more than 65-67 games. I believe they will be a little better than that.
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