At lunchtime on Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs' president, Jed Hoyer, made a significant statement. He declared, “We’re not done,” hinting at their ongoing efforts to build a strong team around Kyle Tucker, their biggest acquisition during his tenure as the club's head of baseball operations. Within hours, the Cubs traded former MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, setting off a series of events that would shape their offseason.

Cubs' Offseason Moves: Prioritizing the Future

Maximizing Tucker's Potential

This winter, maximizing Tucker's final season before he becomes a free agent is of utmost importance. The Cubs are keen on offering him the largest contract in franchise history and giving him the chance to end his career at Wrigley Field. However, after a series of trades, their focus has shifted to the immediate ramifications.The Cubs' current estimated luxury-tax payroll is nearly $192 million, and there's uncertainty about how close the budget for baseball operations will get to the $241 million threshold. Trading Bellinger provides more flexibility to add another starting pitcher and explore the bullpen market, which has been slower to develop.

Busch's Role Solidified

Moving Bellinger further cements the Cubs' commitment to Michael Busch. His strong rookie season, worth 2.8 wins above replacement, has shown his potential. The Cubs see him as a Gold Glove first baseman and don't plan to have him bounce around the infield. His versatility is a valuable asset, and he's made real strides at first base. After the first month of the season, he was outstanding.

Shaw's Ascent

Top Cubs prospect Matt Shaw is emerging as a key player in the aftermath of the Tucker deal. With Isaac Paredes traded to the Houston Astros, there's an opening at third base. While there will be some competition, the Cubs expect Shaw to make another leap.He was the No. 13 pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Maryland and has posted a.906 OPS across 159 games at four different affiliates. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, with his experience in developing young talent, is likely to give Shaw a long look at third base. Just like they did with Pete Crow-Armstrong last year, they need to give young players some runway.

The Farm System's Potential

Even after trading Cam Smith to the Astros, the Cubs still have seven prospects on MLB.com's top 100. Owen Caissie (No. 34) and James Triantos (No. 55) have been prominently mentioned in trade rumors.Under Hoyer's leadership, the Cubs have leaned more into an analytics-based model to evaluate players. The “Ivy” database may present different valuations and ideas for building a 90-win team. The Cubs have been in talks with the Miami Marlins about Jesús Luzardo, a talented left-handed pitcher with an extensive medical history and two more seasons of club control.Everything is a one-off decision, and the goal is to be a better team next year while considering the long-term future. The Cubs are carefully balancing present needs with future prospects.