The Cubs are on a flight to Tokyo, but turbulence has already hit. Manager Craig Counsell has zeroed in on a major issue—third base. The uncertainty at the hot corner isn’t just about defense; it could shake up the team’s entire offensive flow. With the Los Angeles Dodgers looming as their opponents, will the Cubs find a solution in time?

The third base conundrum is not just a minor hiccup; it is a glaring gap that needs quick attention. With the National League Central becoming more competitive, the Chicago Cubs cannot go with such vulnerabilities. Counsell’s talent acknowledgment of this issue highlights the urgency for a viable outcome. If not, then the team’s success could hinge on how effectively they address such an intricate lineup gap.

“The third base situation is probably something that is the big decision at this point,” Counsell said on MLB Network. “Pitching health thus far, we have put ourselves in a pretty good position. So I think every organization is terrified or paranoid about pitcher health. But I think third base right now is the place where we have the big decision to start the season“.

The third base place has been a revolving door since the departure of Kris Bryant. After his departure, the Chicago Cubs have been struggling to fill the gap and identify a capable replacement. In a vital move, the team traded Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros. At that period, the team traded top talents Cam Smith and pitcher Hayden Wesneski to acquire outfielder Kyle Tucker. This move has further enhanced the void at third base.

In an approach to fill this gap, the Chicago Cubs chose Gage Workman in the Rule 5 Draft. He has seized the scope, providing an impressive performance at the period of Spring Training. Workman’s unexpected rise has put pressure on the team’s management to think of him as a viable option for the beginning third baseman role in the upcoming season.

Counsell has made it clear that expectations in Chicago remain high. “The way I see it is that the Chicago Cubs should be expected to be in the playoffs, and we should have those expectations every single year“, he stated.

Outcomes for the Chicago Cubs and playoff implications

As the 2025 season approaches, the Chicago Cubs face a vital decision related to their third base position. One option is to promote top prospect Matt Shaw. The team can bank on his recovery from an oblique injury despite limited Spring Training exposure. Such a move would highlight confidence in Shaw’s capabilities; however, it carries the issue of relying on an untested player in a vital role.

In addition, the Chicago Cubs could analyze the trade market for an experienced third baseman. This will weigh the costs against the quick need for infield stability. Such an approach provides the benefit of experience and proven performance. Nevertheless, it could need vital resources in return. Intricating this decision are roster constraints and the need to safeguard other infielders from waivers, adding layers of intricacy to an already challenging situation.

The implications of this decision extend beyond the infield. A stable third base is vital for defensive cohesion, which in turn affects pitching approaches and team morale. The Chicago Cubs’ defensive struggles at third base in the 2024 season were vital. The team recorded a -15 OAA, the second-lowest in MLB. Christopher Morel’s performance helped identically to this deficit, as he posted an OAA of -11.

His successor, Isaac Paredes, fell short defensively with a -1 OAA. In addition, the reliable Nick Madrigal faced a decrease, recording a -2 OAA in limited action. With the National League Central’s competitiveness, any drawback could be exploited by competitors. This can derail the Chicago Cubs’ playoff aspirations. Therefore, managing this issue is not just related to filling a place but ensuring the team’s resilience in a competitive season.

Craig Counsell’s focus on the third base predicament acts as a clarion call for proactive analysis. The team’s capability to track this challenge will totally effect their trajectory in the 2025 season. Fans need to track how the team addresses this lineup void, as its resolution is vital for the Cubs’ quest to reclaim their competitive edge.