Cubs Spring Training Preview: Can the Pitching Improve?
March 3, 2025
The Chicago Cubs enter 2025 at a crossroads. After back-to-back 83-79 seasons, they’ve remained competitive but fallen just short of the postseason. However, this could potentially be a breakthrough season for the team. It has made strategic offseason moves to strengthen both their lineup and pitching staff, reflecting a commitment to returning to postseason contention.
In the batter’s box, right fielder Seiya Suzuki led the offense in 2024 with an .848 OPS, 21 homers, and 16 stolen bases, while SS Nico Hoerner provided Gold Glove-caliber defense up the middle. The addition of RF Kyle Tucker gives the lineup a much-needed power boost.
While LHP Justin Steele and LHP Shōta Imanaga anchor the pitching staff, depth is a concern. Injuries were a key cause of the team’s failure last season, and much of its success will depend on whether the rotation’s back end holds up. The bullpen, bolstered by RHP Ryan Pressly, should be more reliable, but consistency will be key.
The Cubs must prove themselves within the NL Central. If their pitching stabilizes and the offense clicks, a return to the playoffs is within reach. If not, they could be staring at another season of coming up just short.
2024 Record: 83-79 (Second, NL Central)
Last Postseason Appearance: 2020 (lost Wild Card 2-0 to the Miami Marlins)
What Happened in 2024: The Cubs finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, replicating their performance in 2023. Despite strong individual contributions from players like Suzuki, the team was eliminated from playoff contention on Sept. 21 after a loss to the Washington Nationals. Inconsistencies in both the pitching staff and offensive production hindered the team’s ability to secure a postseason berth.
New Arrivals
- OF Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros)
- LHP Matthew Boyd (Detroit Tigers)
- SS Gage Workman (Detroit Tigers)
- RHP Ryan Brasier (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- INF Justin Turner (Seattle Mariners)
Key Departures
- 3B Isaac Paredes (Houston Astros)
- RHP Hayden Wesneski (Houston Astros)
- OF/1B Cody Bellinger (New York Yankees)
Projected Batting Order*
1. LF Ian Happ
2. RF Kyle Tucker
3. DH Seiya Suzuki
4. 1B Michael Busch
5. SS Dansby Swanson
6. 2B Nico Hoerner
7. CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
8. 3B Matt Shaw
9. C Miguel Amaya
Projected Rotation*
1. Shōta Imanaga (LHP)
2. Justin Steele (LHP)
3. Jameson Taillon (RHP)
4. Matthew Boyd (LHP)
5. Javier Assad (RHP)
Projected Bullpen*
Mid-Relief: Tyson Miller (RHP), Caleb Thielbar (RHP), Keegan Thompson (RHP), Julian Merryweather (RHP)
Long-Relief: Colin Rea (RHP)
Set-Up: Ryan Brasier (RHP), Porter Hodge (RHP)
Closer: Ryan Pressly (RHP)
Biggest Question: Has the rotation improved?
The effectiveness of the starting rotation remains a key concern for the Cubs. While players like Steele and Imanaga have established themselves as reliable starters, the rest of the rotation is relatively young and lacks MLB experience. Injuries plagued the roster during the 2024 season, so the Cubs’ success in 2025 will heavily depend on the development and consistency of its team.
Team MVP: Kyle Tucker
He brings a dynamic offensive threat as a left-handed batter to the lineup with stats like .289/.408/.585, and his combination of power and speed sets him apart from others on the team. If he replicates his previous performances with the Astros, Tucker could emerge as the team’s most valuable player, significantly boosting the offense with his .289 batting average last season.
Breakout Candidate: Michael Busch
The infielder, acquired from the Dodgers before the 2024 season, took over first base last season. With a strong minor league track record, he has the potential to make a significant impact at the major league level. Given regular playing time, he could emerge as a key contributor to the Cubs’ offense.
Key Stat: 4.35
The Cubs’ starting rotation posted a combined ERA of 4.35 in 2024, ranking 18th in MLB. Improving this metric will be crucial for the team’s aspirations in 2025. However, improvement may be unlikely. Chicago isn’t expected to run out a starter that wasn’t on the roster and in the rotation last season. With that in mind, left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga may need to somehow improve on his 2.91 ERA from last season if the Cubs have any hope of improving their rotation ERA.
2025 Will Be Successful If… the Cubs make postseason play for the first time since 2020.
Achieving this goal will require consistent offensive production from both recent additions and existing players, as well as significant improvements in the starting rotation’s performance. Maintaining player health and depth across the roster will also be essential factors.
2025 Prediction: Second in NL Central, Playoff Berth
With strategic offseason additions and a focus on developing young talent, the Cubs are positioned to contend in the NL Central. A projected record of 85 wins could secure them a Wild Card spot or even a division title.
*Projections were pulled from FanGraphs as of Feb. 28
Posted: March 3, 2025
Category: Cactus League, Chicago Cubs
Tagged as: Chicago, Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, Gage Workman, Ian Happ, Justin Turner, Justine Steele, Kyle Tucker, Matthew Boyd, MLB, MLB Spring Training, New York Yankees, Nico Hoerner, ryan pressley, Seiya Suzuki, Spring Training
